Based on statements made by its Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Harris, the Irish government has confirmed that it will donate Giraffe Mark IV air defense radars to the Ukrainian Armed Forces to strengthen the air defense of small towns and strategic targets. This would be a transfer of non-lethal equipment, as Dublin maintains a policy of supplying only such items and training for Ukrainian personnel, meaning that missiles and launchers used to intercept detected threats would be excluded from any future agreement.
When consulted by the local media outlet The Irish Times, diplomatic sources stated that the measure aims to further demonstrate Ireland’s unwavering support for Ukraine in the face of the Russian invasion, which the Irish government considers a threat to all of Europe. Minister Harris expressed a similar sentiment: “Russia’s aggression not only threatens Ukraine but all of Europe. That is why Ireland stands with Ukraine, now and for as long as necessary. Our support focuses on humanitarian and stabilization assistance, along with non-lethal military support and strong political backing, including Ukraine’s European perspective.”
Delving into the limited details known about the future transfer, the report published by the aforementioned outlet indicates that at least three Giraffe Mark IV radars will be donated to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, though this number is still subject to negotiations. In this regard, while awaiting formal approval from the Irish government, the Army is preparing not only for the shipment of these systems but also for the deployment of a team tasked with training future Ukrainian operators.
From a technical standpoint, the Giraffe Mark IV radars, originally acquired by Ireland in 2008 with a focus on air protection for international summits, have a detection range of up to 50 kilometers and the capability to track up to 20 threats simultaneously. Their mobility is enhanced by integration with BV206 tracked armored vehicles. While these systems are currently being phased out in the Irish Armed Forces in favor of newer technologies, they remain a valuable asset for the protection of small towns or strategic installations.
However, it is worth noting that while the Giraffe Mark IV radars are in the process of being replaced, their transfer to Ukraine would create an air defense capability gap for Dublin. The island nation currently operates only seven units, all of which are required to fulfill their mission. If the intention to donate three or more units is maintained, Ireland would be left with an entirely insufficient capacity to cover its territory independently. Given these equipment limitations, Ireland would further deepen its reliance on extended protection provided by the United Kingdom, whose Royal Air Force can intervene in support of its neighbor under specific circumstances.
Finally, it is useful to highlight that this equipment transfer announcement comes nearly simultaneously with the Irish government’s disclosure of its plans to increase financial support for Ukraine’s war effort, though without providing specific figures. This was revealed through statements by current Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin, who told international leaders gathered in Kyiv about the need to do more for Ukraine: “Ireland will contribute more financially across all fronts and in all areas and will strengthen our commitment on this front.”
Images used for illustrative purposes.
