Ireland orders Thales GM400 and GM200 radars for 2028 air surveillance
Ireland has ordered five Ground Master radar systems from France's Thales to establish a full national air surveillance capability by 2028.
Ireland has ordered five Ground Master radar systems from French manufacturer Thales through a government-to-government deal with France’s Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA). The order for four long-range GM400 Alpha and one GM200 Multi-Mission All-in-one system marks a concrete step to build Ireland’s first fully recognised air picture by the end of 2028.
Background and drivers
This procurement stems directly from the Commission on the Defence Forces report published in February 2022. That report identified primary radar as an immediate priority for the Irish Air Corps. A submission to the commission argued that continued incursions by Russian aircraft into Irish-controlled airspace highlighted the critical importance of such a capability. The lack of primary radar was described as a major danger to civilian aircraft and a demonstration of capability gaps within the Defence Forces.
System details and deployment
The order covers four GM400a long-range radars and one GM200 MM/A system. All units are designed for rapid deployment, housed within standard 20-foot containers. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2027, with full operational capability expected before the end of 2028.
Minister for Defence Helen McEntee stated the system would very significantly enhance Ireland’s ability to protect its skies and keep the country on track for a complete recognised air picture by the 2028 deadline. Unlike secondary surveillance radar, primary radar detects aircraft from reflected signals, including those with transponders switched off.
| System | Type | Key Capability | Containerized |
|---|---|---|---|
| GM400 Alpha | Long-range 3D surveillance | Detects targets from drones to fighters at up to 515 km (320 miles) | Yes, in 20-ft ISO container |
| GM200 MM/A | Multi-Mission All-in-one | Simultaneously detects and tracks low to high-altitude targets | Yes, in individual 20-ft shelter with mast and generator |
The GM400a registers an update rate of six seconds. These long-range radars form one element of Ireland’s broader Military Radar Programme. The other two elements are ground-based air defence, including counter-drone capability, and ship-borne maritime radar. The department noted an accelerated delivery of counter-drone systems ahead of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union.
Strategic context
Ireland committed to acquiring this capability later in 2022 and selected France as its government-to-government partner in December 2025. The country has operated no combat jets since 1998 and has examined acquiring its first fighters in more than fifty years. Ireland currently depends on the United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force, whose aircraft enter Irish airspace for operational purposes only with Dublin’s express prior agreement, a point confirmed in a UK government written answer in January 2026.
Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU began on July 1, 2026. During this six-month term, Royal Navy and French warships deployed to provide air defence cover for EU summit meetings. The radar acquisition is a foundational move to reduce such dependencies. Ireland expects to meet the full capability milestone for the new radars before the end of 2028.
