Ireland to procure five Thales radar systems from France

Ireland has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with France to procure five long-range military radar systems from Thales. The contract was signed between the Irish Ministry of Defence and the French Ministry of the Armed Forces through the Direction générale de l'armement (DGA).

The delivery of the five radar units is scheduled for 2027, with full operational capability expected by the end of 2028. This acquisition is part of a broader military radar program estimated to be worth between 300 and 500 million EUR, aimed at building a comprehensive surveillance and defense network. This network will include air defense radars, naval radar, and land-based defense systems, including countermeasures against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

While the specific model has not been officially confirmed, local media reports suggest the procurement may involve the Ground Master GM400 Alpha or similar high-performance systems. These radars are designed to detect and track various aerial targets, including military aircraft, helicopters, and missiles, even when transponders are turned off, providing enhanced situational awareness for Irish airspace.