Irish News Ireland to Begin Negotiations for First Military Radar System This Summer

Ireland to Begin Negotiations for First Military Radar System This Summer​

The sophisticated system, expected to roll out from 2026, aims to enhance Ireland’s airspace security amid growing threats.

Ireland is set to launch negotiations this summer for its first-ever military radar program, a significant step toward bolstering national defense capabilities. Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris will inform the Cabinet on April 29, 2025, that his department has shortlisted four countries for formal talks, with the goal of initiating the radar system’s deployment in 2026. The advanced system, which could cost hundreds of millions of euros, is expected to be fully operational by 2028.

A Strategic Move to Secure Irish Airspace​

The decision follows a 2022 recommendation by the Commission on the Defence Forces, which urged Ireland to establish its own military radar system—a proposal the Government accepted. Harris is expected to emphasize the importance of airspace awareness, stating that an effective primary radar system will serve as a deterrent against potential threats. Currently, the Defence Forces lack the capability to detect aircraft designed to evade radar, such as those with transponders turned off or stealth technology, leaving Irish airspace vulnerable to hostile, surveillance, or hijacked aircraft, as well as drug smugglers using “cloaked” planes.

The radar system will comprise three key components: a Land-based Long-Range Primary Radar, Ground-based Air Defence systems, and Maritime Radar. Once operational, it will enable Ireland to identify and track aircraft that are otherwise undetectable, addressing a critical gap in national security.

Negotiation Process and Timeline​

The Department of Defence has been evaluating potential partners since eight countries initially expressed interest in collaborating on the radar procurement. This list has now been narrowed to four, with bilateral discussions at the official level set to begin this summer. A preferred bidder—or bidders—will be selected later in 2025, paving the way for a phased rollout starting in 2026 and concluding in 2028. The complexity and sophistication of the system underscore its high cost, estimated to run into the hundreds of millions of euros.

Addressing Modern Threats​

The need for such a system has become increasingly urgent in light of evolving security challenges. Aircraft used by drug smugglers, hostile entities, or for surveillance often employ stealth technology or disable transponders to avoid detection. The new radar system will provide Ireland with the ability to monitor its airspace comprehensively, ensuring that the state can respond to potential threats effectively. As Harris is expected to highlight, knowing what is happening in Irish airspace is a fundamental responsibility for any state, and this initiative marks a pivotal advancement in Ireland’s defense infrastructure.