The Irish Government has signed official acquisition orders with French defence authorities to purchase multi-million euro military primary radar and air defence equipment, advancing a major project aimed at monitoring sovereign airspace.

The deal, conducted through a government-to-government procurement process with the French Ministry for the Armed Forces and its procurement agency, the Direction Générale de l'Armement, is estimated to cost between €300 million and €500 million. The package includes five deployable long-range primary radar units manufactured by French defence firm Thales, alongside ground-based air defence equipment supplied by MBDA.

The overarching Military Radar Programme consists of three primary components: land-based long-range primary radar, ground-based air defence systems incorporating counter-drone capabilities, and maritime radar for Irish Naval Service vessels. Together, the technology is designed to provide the Defence Forces with a complete "Recognised Air Picture," enabling military controllers to track aircraft operating over Ireland and its maritime approaches, including non-cooperative aircraft flying with transponders switched off.

According to procurement timelines, the long-range radar units are scheduled to begin delivery in 2027, with full operational capability targeted for the end of 2028. Deliveries of ground-based air defence and anti-drone equipment have already commenced and will continue through 2029.

The development of a primary military radar network was identified as an immediate priority by the Commission on the Defence Forces in its 2022 report. Historically, Ireland has relied primarily on civil aviation surveillance systems and information sharing with international partners to monitor activity in its airspace.