Robert Besser
01 May 2025

DUBLIN, Ireland: Ireland is preparing to activate its first-ever military radar system, with phased implementation set to begin early next year.

The system, designed to detect threats such as hostile, hijacked, or surveillance aircraft, will be discussed in the Cabinet this week as the government moves to strengthen national security.

Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said negotiations are underway with four countries to develop the technology. A decision on the final partner is expected by October. The total cost of the project will not be known until those talks are completed.

"It will take a number of years to fully roll it out, but from early next year, you'll see literally month on month, quarter on quarter, Ireland's radar capacity – and the capacity of our Defence Forces in relation to that – improving," Harris said.

He added that enhancing radar capability is a vital step in addressing modern security threats.

"This is really important. No country is immune from threats. All countries, including militarily neutral countries like Ireland, have to take their own security seriously, including what happens in our skies and what happens in our seas," he said.