Ireland to procure Thales radars for new air surveillance network

Ireland has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with France to procure Ground Master series radars from Thales to establish its own primary air surveillance network. This move ends nearly four decades of reliance on the United Kingdom for airspace monitoring.

The contract includes four Ground Master 400 Alpha long-range radars, capable of detecting aircraft up to 515 kilometers away, and a Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission radar with a 350-kilometer range. These systems are designed to track targets at both low and high altitudes.

A key feature of the technology is its modularity; the radars are housed in standard 20-foot ISO containers with integrated lifting systems, allowing for deployment in approximately 15 minutes. This mobility provides Ireland with the flexibility to relocate assets based on strategic needs. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, with final deliveries expected by the end of 2028. The broader defense project, which includes anti-drone systems and other components, is estimated to be valued between 300 and 500 million EUR.