DUBLIN – Ireland announced plans Wednesday to acquire a multi-million-euro military radar system from France, enhancing its defense capabilities as it gears up to host the rotating EU presidency in 2026.The government secured cabinet approval to launch immediate negotiations with Paris for the Military Radar Programme (MRP), estimated by media at €300-500 million ($450-880 million Singapore dollars).
“This approach guarantees the use of the experience and knowledge of a trusted partner country which cannot be provided through any other option,” a statement on the government website said, calling it the only feasible path for developing required radar tech.
The decision follows sightings of unidentified drones, blamed on pro-Russian actors, off Dublin’s coast during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent one-day visit. The incidents surfaced in local media only after his departure, fueling scrutiny of Ireland’s defense readiness.
The militarily neutral nation, with its small army, no combat air force, and limited naval assets, will host EU leaders’ summits starting July 2026. Defence Minister Helen McEntee revealed final negotiations for counter-drone technology by year-end.
“My department will work with the Defence Forces to ensure that they have the capacity to identify and neutralise threats posed by drones,” she stated.