Ireland’s new air surveillance radar identified as Thales GM400 Alpha

Thales has announced it will supply its Ground Master 400 Alpha (GM400α) long-range radar to reinforce Ireland’s air surveillance, thereby identifying the system behind the first long-range radar network the Irish military will operate. 

Ireland’s Department of Defense ordered the radars through the Direction Générale de l’Armement (DGA), the procurement agency of the French Ministry for the Armed Forces. 

According to the department, the order covers five deployable Thales long-range radar systems, with deliveries to begin in 2027 and full capability in place by the end of 2028. 

Minister for Defense Helen McEntee declared that the order will keep Ireland on track to build a complete recognized air picture of its airspace by the end of 2028, which she said would “very significantly enhance Ireland’s ability to protect our skies”. 

Unlike secondary surveillance radar, which depends on replies from an aircraft transponder, primary radar detects aircraft from reflected signals, including aircraft flying with transponders switched off. 

Ireland moves toward independent air surveillance 

The requirement dates back to the Commission on the Defence Forces, whose February 2022 report called primary radar an immediate priority for the Irish Air Corps. Ireland committed to acquiring the capability later that year, selecting France as its government-to-government partner in December 2025. 

Ireland has operated no combat jets since 1998 and has examined acquiring its first fighters in more than 50 years. Instead, it has depended on the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF), whose aircraft enter Irish airspace for operational purposes only with Dublin’s express prior agreement, according to a UK government written answer of January 12, 2026. 

GM400 Alpha offers surveillance out to 515 kilometers 

According to Thales, the GM400α is a 3D air surveillance radar capable of detecting targets ranging from slow-moving drones to fighter aircraft at distances of up to 515 kilometers (approximately 320 miles), with a six-second update rate. 

The system is packaged in a single 20-foot container, enabling it to be redeployed rapidly. The GM400α belongs to Thales’ Ground Master 400 family of long-range radars.  

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Radars form first part of wider air-defense program 

The long-range radars form one of three elements of Ireland’s Military Radar Programme. The others are ground-based air defense, including a counter-drone capability and ship-borne maritime radar. The department cited the accelerated delivery of counter-drone systems ahead of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), which began on July 1, 2026. 

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During the six-month term, Royal Navy and French warships deployed to provide air defense cover for EU summit meetings.The post Ireland’s new air surveillance radar identified as Thales GM400 Alpha appeared first on AeroTime.

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