Ireland to acquire long-range radar systems from French military 

Concerns around Ireland’s ground-based air defence capability have been heightened by multiple high-profile incidents. File picture: Larry Cummins

Ireland has signed an acquisition order for the delivery of five long-range French military radar systems that are expected to be fully operational by the end of 2028.

The acquisition of the 'Thales' radars was signed with the procurement arm of the French ministry for the armed forces.

The aim is to improve Ireland’s ability to police its own skies and provide a “complete recognised air picture of Irish airspace".

“Today is a further significant milestone in terms of delivery of the military radar programme, which was a key recommendation made by the Commission on the Defence Forces,” said minister for defence Helen McEntee.

Concerns around Ireland’s ground-based air defence capability have been heightened by multiple high-profile incidents.

During a diplomatic visit from Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy in December, multiple drones were identified in Irish skies. 

Last week, an unidentified drone was spotted by a commercial aircraft flying off the east coast, ahead of the visit of US president Donald Trump.

Drones can often be deployed by foreign states seeking to gather aerial reconnaissance and intelligence on rival powers’ infrastructure and military sites.

The Department of Defence said Ireland’s ground-based air defence capabilities will continue to be beefed up, alongside the development of maritime radar capability.

A recent report from the Wall Street Journal branded Irish waters Nato's “blind spot”, claiming the prevalence of sub-sea cables off Ireland’s coast was prone to Russian sabotage due to Ireland’s defensive frailties.