Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
101. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the estimated cost of completing the latest steps in full primary radar picture as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52823/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of my key priorities as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capacity of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed in line with the Government’s decision to move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2), as defined by the Commission on the Defence Forces (CODF).
Amongst its recommendations on capability development, the CODF recommended the development of a primary radar capability to ensure that Ireland can maintain a complete "Recognised Air Picture", and that this should be an immediate and top priority. This is being progressed under the Military Radar Programme. There are three elements to this Programme: Land based Long Range Primary Radar; Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) systems, to include Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities; and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar.
This programme of work is ongoing and very good progress has been made. Towards the end of last year, the Preliminary Business Case for the Military Radar Programme was approved. This concluded that a Government-level approach with one country was the preferred option and, in line with this approach, my Department is currently engaged in detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of all requirements under the Programme.
Full delivery of the Programme will be complex, but has been prioritised with a target date of 2028 identified in the updated CODF Detailed Implementation Plan, which I published in February 2026, for delivery of a complete Recognised Air Picture.
The process of finalising the costs associated with all elements of the Programme, including Long Range Primary Radar, is well advanced and is the subject of ongoing consultation with French authorities, but has not yet concluded. As such, I am not in a position to provide an estimated cost but I anticipate that this element of the Programme should be concluded shortly and I will then be bringing proposals to Government.
