Ireland has signed an acquisition order with France which will see the delivery of long-range military radars under the country’s military radar programme.
The order was confirmed this morning by Minister for Defence Helen McEntee.
The order will see delivery of five deployable Thales long-range radar systems, commencing next year.
Ms McEntee said it was “a significant milestone” in terms of delivery of the radar programme.
The first long-range radar systems are expected to be delivered next year, with the full capability in place by the end of 2028.
Ms McEntee has previously said the new equipment will significantly strengthen Ireland’s ability to protect its skies.
The Commission on the Defence Forces identified the development of a primary radar capability as an immediate priority to ensure Ireland can maintain a complete ‘Recognised Air Picture’.
The Department of Defence said that strong progress has also been made in developing the Defence Forces’ ground-based air defence capability, including the accelerated delivery of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency.