Government agrees to negotiate with France for purchase of military radar system

THE GOVERNMENT HAS cleared the way to begin negotiations with France regarding its proposal to supply Ireland’s first primary military radar.

The decision has been confirmed by Minister for Defence Helen McEntee this evening and will see talks now start with French officials to purchase the systems. 

As previously revealed by The Journal Irish officials were examining a so-called Government to Government approach to expedite the purchase of much needed military equipment. 

The project has three main elements which are land based long range primary radar, ground based air defence systems which will include an anti drone system and maritime radar for naval ships. 

Cabinet today cleared the way for the project known as the Military Radar Programme. 

The Minister briefed the Government that defence officials determined 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.

It is not confirmed what company will be involved in the purchase but the Irish State recently signed a deal with French company Thales for sonar equipment for naval ships. They also manufacture radar systems. 

The French company KNDS has also said that it has been talking to Ireland regarding armoured vehicle replacement. They also manufacture anti-aircraft and counter drone weapon systems.  

The French proposals are coordinated by Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), which is the procurement arm of the French Ministry of Armed Forces. 

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The DOD have said that total costs will not be ascertained until the end of the negotiation process. In the past, The Journal reported that military sources estimated that the project could be in excess of €300m.

The Defence department said all proposed expenditure will be covered under the National Development Plan.

Helen McEntee, the Minister for Defence, said the radar project is “a key action” of the €1.7 billion Defence Forces allocation under the National Development Plan. 

“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”.

“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 (RAP),” she said. 

The Minister said that the full radar project will be delivered at the end of 2028 but that some of the systems will begin to be rolled out next year.

McEntee also said that final negotiations were underway to obtain anti drone technology ahead of the EU Presidency next July. 

This was announced in the wake of the drone incursion during the recent visit by Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“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,” she added. 

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