The Government has approved the next phase of Ireland's Military Radar Programme, advancing a major public procurement project that will establish long-range primary radar and additional air defence capabilities for the Defence Forces.

The approval allows the State to progress towards the next stage of its arrangements with France, including the early signing of Acquisition Orders. The programme is being developed through cooperation with the French Ministry for the Armed Forces' procurement authority, the Direction Générale de l'Armement (DGA).

The Government previously selected France as its preferred country-level approach for the programme and authorised negotiations for the acquisition of Ireland's first primary military radar capability. The Department of Defence said the procurement will be conducted in accordance with applicable EU Defence Procurement Directives.

The programme comprises three main elements: land-based long-range primary radar, ground-based air defence capabilities including counter-unmanned aircraft systems, and maritime radar for Naval Service vessels. The latest approval relates to the final business case for the long-range radar and further ground-based air defence elements.

For national procurement, the project demonstrates how major strategic acquisitions can progress through a staged approval process before formal acquisition. The final business case provides the basis for determining the procurement approach, while subsequent Acquisition Orders will move the programme closer to delivery.

The Government expects the first long-range radar systems to be delivered in 2027, with the full capability targeted for completion by the end of 2028. The completed system is intended to provide Ireland with a Recognised Air Picture, allowing the Defence Forces to monitor activity across Irish airspace using national capabilities.

The programme forms part of the wider investment identified in the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan 2026–2030, which sets out €1.7 billion in planned investment in Ireland's defence capability over the period.

The procurement also carries significant infrastructure and skills requirements. The radar installations will require specialist sites, engineering and ground works, while the resulting capability will require trained personnel and continuous operational support.

For the public procurement sector, the programme highlights the complexity of acquiring specialist national infrastructure where procurement, international cooperation, technical requirements and long-term operational capability must be considered together. It also demonstrates the role of Government-to-Government arrangements in progressing strategically important acquisitions while remaining subject to the applicable procurement framework.

The latest approval therefore represents more than a further step towards acquiring new radar equipment. It moves a major national procurement programme from strategic planning towards acquisition and implementation, with the first deliveries expected next year and the complete Recognised Air Picture targeted for 2028.

Source: The Journal / Department of Defence / Government of Ireland / French Ministry for the Armed Forces