The Irish Department of Defence has ordered two types of Thales air-surveillance radar under an agreement signed with France’s Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA).
The order covers four Ground Master 400 Alpha (GM400α) long-range radars and a Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission All-in-one (GM200 MM/A) medium-range system.
First units are scheduled for delivery in 2027.
Thales said the radars will contribute to strengthening the “recognised” air picture available to the Irish Defence Forces and support Ireland’s airspace sovereignty.
The GM400α is a long-range radar with a six-second update rate. It is designed to fit inside a 20ft ISO container and includes an integrated lifting system.
According to the company, the system can detect and track tactical unmanned aerial vehicles flying close to the ground in clutter near the radar while also tracking higher-altitude targets, including fighter-bombers, at ranges of up to 515km or 278 NM.
The GM200 MM/A is a medium-range radar housed in a single 20ft shelter that contains the radar, mast and power generator unit. Transportable by truck, it can be deployed in 15 minutes.
It is designed to detect and track targets at altitudes ranging from low to high, with a stated range of up to 350km.
Building on the Ground Master 200 platform, the system uses Thales’ 4D AESA technology, which the company says delivers a 40% performance increase.
According to Thales, the upgrade improves target detection, identification and tracking while extending time-on-target.
Thales’ Ground Master radar family has been sold in more than 40 countries, with more than 300 systems delivered.
Thales surface radars vice president Eric Huber said: “We are honoured to support Ireland in strengthening its airspace sovereignty through the delivery of our GM400α and GM200 MM/A radars.
“This agreement highlights Europe’s will to bolster sovereignty and resilience and the DGA’s trust in Thales as a key defence partner.”
The Republic of Ireland currently has no primary air defence radar, nor any form of fast-jet intercept capability. For decades, the country has relied on the UK for air defence provision.
