The Government has approved the next phase of Ireland’s Military Radar Programme, paving the way for the acquisition of the State’s first long-range military radar systems and marking a significant development for the Air Corps and wider Defence Forces. The announcement was made by Minister for Defence Helen McEntee on 30th July 2026.
The decision clears the programme to progress into procurement and delivery, with the first radar systems expected to arrive in 2027 and full operational capability scheduled for completion by the end of 2028.
For decades, Ireland has relied largely on civil aviation surveillance systems and information shared by international partners to monitor activity in its airspace. The new programme will provide the Defence Forces with a dedicated long-range primary military radar capability for the first time.
According to the Department of Defence, the new radars will allow the Defence Forces to monitor activity across Irish airspace and contribute to a complete “Recognised Air Picture” of the country and its surrounding approaches. The project was identified as an immediate priority by the Commission on the Defence Forces. Minister McEntee described the approval as “a major milestone for Ireland’s defence and security”, stating that it will significantly strengthen the State’s ability to monitor and protect its skies.
What It Means for the Air Corps
While the radar programme is a Defence Forces-wide capability, the Air Corps is likely to be one of its principal beneficiaries. The establishment of a long-range military radar network will greatly enhance situational awareness for Air Corps operations. Access to a comprehensive air picture will support mission planning, air policing activities, security operations and coordination with other national agencies responsible for Irish airspace. It will also provide better detection and tracking of aircraft operating in Irish-controlled airspace, including aircraft not broadcasting conventional transponder information. The new capability is expected to strengthen Ireland’s ability to identify and assess potential airspace security threats.
The radar programme also complements ongoing discussions around the future development of Ireland’s sovereign air defence and air interception capabilities. Although the Air Corps currently operates no fighter aircraft, the creation of a military radar network is widely regarded as a foundational requirement for any future enhancement of national air defence capabilities.
French Partnership Continues
Following Government approval of the Preliminary Business Case in 2025, France was selected as Ireland’s preferred partner for delivery of the programme. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces have since been working with the French defence procurement agency, the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), to advance the project. The latest Government decision authorises the next stage of arrangements with France, including the signing of acquisition orders for the radar systems.
The announcement also highlights progress in Ireland’s ground-based air defence programme. The Department confirmed that work is continuing on additional air defence measures, including the accelerated introduction of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities in connection with Ireland’s EU Presidency. In addition, planning continues for future maritime radar capabilities, which would further improve surveillance of Ireland’s air and maritime approaches.
