The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, announced this week that the Preliminary Business Case for the Military Radar Programme (MRP) has been approved. The Minister briefed the Government on Wednesday on the progress made following the assessment of potential options for delivery of the MRP, which concluded that a Government-level approach with one country was the preferred option.
The Minister has said that her Department will now immediately commence detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of all capability requirements under the Programme. There are three elements to the Military Radar Programme:
- Land-based Long Range Primary Radar
- Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include a Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability;
- Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.
Speaking after Wednesday’s Government meeting, Minister McEntee said: “The Development of a Military Radar Programme for Ireland is a key action in the €1.7 Billion National Development Plan for the Defence Forces which I published last week. As Minister for Defence I intend to prioritise the delivery of a primary radar capability to ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete ‘Recognised Air Picture’ (RAP). This is an essential step in the Government’s plan to enhance national security and the need to continuously strengthen our Defence capabilities, as set out in the Programme for Government”.
The completion of the Business Case follows detailed technical assessments which were carried out by a project team comprising senior civil and military personnel. The French proposals are coordinated by Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), which is the procurement arm of the French Ministry of Armed Forces. The DGA steers the provision of French support in the form of similar type approaches to other partner countries.
The Minister went on to say: “Having considered all of the available options, it was the assessment of the Project Team that a Government-level approach is the only feasible way for Ireland to develop the required radar capabilities. This approach guarantees the use of the experience and knowledge of a trusted partner country which cannot be provided through any other option, particularly as we need to procure a complete capability to develop a complete Recognised Air Picture.”
The Preliminary Business Case concluded that the French proposal substantially fulfils Ireland’s capability requirements under this Programme and provides a high level of confidence in their overall ability to deliver across all aspects. While the programme of work that will be required to develop, deliver and maintain these capabilities is complex, it will, when fully delivered, incorporate a suite of military radar systems that will have the capability to detect all aircraft traversing Irish airspace, including any that may be operating with their transponders turned off. The target date for delivery is the end of 2028, but the roll-out of capabilities under the Programme will commence next year.
The Minister added: “Separately, my Department is in final negotiations to conclude a contract before the end of the year to provide Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities to the Defence Forces in advance of the EU Presidency. The Government is committed to ensuring that the Presidency is a successful one and we will take all necessary security measures in this regard. My Department will work with the Defence Forces to ensure that they have the capacity to identify and neutralise threats posed by drones and, where appropriate, to support An Garda Síochána.”
All procurement under the Military Radar Programme will be conducted in accordance with EU Directives on Defence Procurement. Total projected costs associated with delivery by the end of 2028 will not be fully ascertained until the Final Business Case stage. However, all proposed expenditure arising from this Programme will be met from within the capital allocations announced last week as part of the National Development Plan.
