Ireland is set to welcome its first primary military radar system capable of detecting aircraft engineered to evade traditional detection, including those with advanced stealth technology.
Defense Minister Simon Harris confirmed the development in an interview with national broadcaster RTÉ, stating that the system is expected to be rolled out in 2026 amid growing regional and global security concerns.
“Year on year, indeed month and month from next year, we’ll be in an enhanced position,” he stressed.
The new radar will allow the Irish military to detect not only stealth aircraft but also planes that have been hijacked or are flying with their transponders deliberately disabled — a tactic often used by drug smugglers and other illicit actors.
Currently, Ireland lacks the capacity to independently monitor such threats within its airspace.
Once deployed, the radar is expected to become a cornerstone of Ireland’s national security strategy, providing early warning and real-time tracking in and around Irish-controlled skies.
Preparing for Modern Threats
Plans to deploy a primary radar system first emerged in 2022, following a key recommendation from Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces.
The move is part of a broader initiative to develop a modern air defense system that integrates seamlessly with the Irish military’s existing assets.
Although Dublin is not considered a direct target in current global conflicts, officials have emphasized the need for greater preparedness and improved self-defense capabilities.
“On radar and subsea awareness capabilities, and particularly given the current security environment in which Ireland resides, the state is not immune from the current geopolitical security environment,” Harris noted.
The radar system is expected to be fully operational by 2028.
