DUBLIN — Ireland has signed an acquisition order with France for five deployable long-range military radar systems manufactured by Thales, as part of a wider programme to strengthen the country’s air surveillance capability.
The agreement was confirmed by Defence Minister Helen McEntee on September 18, 2026. The order was signed with France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces and its defence procurement agency, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA).
The overall Military Radar Programme is estimated to cost between €300 million and €500 million and has three main elements: land-based long-range primary radar, ground-based air defence systems including counter-drone capabilities, and maritime radar for naval ships.
Five Thales Radars
Ireland will receive five deployable Thales long-range radar systems. The precise model has not been publicly disclosed. Thales produces several long-range radar systems, including the Ground Master family.
Delivery of the first systems is expected to begin in 2027, with the complete radar capability planned to be operational by the end of 2028. The locations of the five systems have not yet been made public, although strategic sites across Ireland have been examined.
Building a Recognised Air Picture
The primary radar systems are intended to allow Ireland’s Defence Forces to develop and maintain a complete recognised air picture of the country’s airspace. This capability is intended to provide information on aircraft operating in Irish airspace, including aircraft that are not transmitting identification signals.
The Commission on the Defence Forces previously identified the development of a primary radar capability as an immediate priority.
The ground-based air defence part of the programme is also progressing, including counter-unmanned aircraft systems. Some capabilities have already been introduced, while work on the maritime radar element is continuing.
Minister McEntee said the acquisition keeps Ireland on track to establish a complete recognised air picture by the end of 2028 and represents further progress on a key recommendation of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
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