Prime Minister of Ireland Simon Harris. Photo: EPA/UPG
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has confirmed that Dublin plans to transfer some air defence radar systems to Ukraine. According to The Irish Times, Ukraine has expressed interest in accessing the outdated equipment that the Irish Defence Forces have.
“The Ukrainian government has expressed an interest in accessing some of the outdated equipment that the Irish Defence Forces have,” Harris said. He added that Ireland is in the process of procuring a modern radar system, which would allow the transfer of some of the equipment to Ukraine.
The Ukrainian authorities are expected to respond to the proposal, which will determine the timeframe and number of systems to be transferred. According to Harris, the transfer process could be “relatively quick”.
This is a transfer of Giraffe Mark IV radar systems, part of the Irish government’s commitment to provide Ukraine with non-lethal military equipment and training.
Official confirmation from the Department of Defence of Ireland
The Department of Defence of Ireland has confirmed that it continues to work with the Ukrainian authorities to provide non-lethal assistance, focusing on the identified needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“As for the Giraffe system, we are waiting for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to agree on the adoption of these systems and training,” the defence ministry said.
Characteristics and number of systems transferred
Ireland has seven Giraffe Mark IV systems, but it has not yet been decided whether all of them will be transferred to Ukraine. According to The Irish Times, Kyiv will receive at least three of these systems.
The Giraffe Mark IV is a short-range radar system that Ireland acquired in 2008. They have a target detection range of up to 50 km and are capable of tracking up to 20 missiles or drones simultaneously.
The transfer of these systems will significantly enhance Ukraine’s ability to detect and counter air threats. It is expected that the parties will soon agree on the final details of the supply and training of the Ukrainian military to operate these systems.
