Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 January 2024
167. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he will report on the acquisition of primary radar; the timeframe in which he intends contracts to be agreed and equipment acquired and installed; the expected cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1941/24]
View answerThe development of a primary radar capability was one of the key recommendations made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces. Demonstrating the Government’s commitment to implementing this recommendation, one of the Early Actions identified in the subsequent High Level Action Plan published in response to the Commission’s report, was to commence planning for military radar capabilities.
The Detailed Implementation Plan released in November 2023 builds on the progress made to date and sets out the planned timeline for delivery of military radar by 2028. The military radar programme is an ambitious and complex programme which includes ground based, maritime and primary radar systems.
A civil / military project team established in 2023 are continuing their work to identity requirements, research various delivery options as well as consideration of approaches internationally with the objective of learning from our EU colleagues. Significant progress has been made to date and the Needs Phase which sets out the rational and justification for the project is due to complete in quarter 2 of 2024. We are not at the acquisition stage, which would be the final phase in the capability development process and, as such, while planning is still ongoing it would be premature to speculate on cost projections. However, delivery of primary radar is a key capability priority for me as Tánaiste and Minister for Defence and I am determined to ensure its delivery within the earliest timeframe.
