Ireland quietly delivers five radar systems to Ukraine alongside ambulances and de-mining robots

Ireland has delivered five air defence radar systems to Ukraine, though officials have declined to specify their type, according to a transcript of government debates held on 14 October.

Government minister Neale Richmond revealed that Ukraine received 34 vehicles in recent months, including ambulances, a fire tender, and the five radar systems. "In June, five air defence radar systems and a fire tender were delivered to Ukraine," Richmond stated during the debate.

The delivery was part of a broader package of Irish military aid. In mid-September, three Reacher bomb disposal robots were sent to the Ukraine defence contact group's de-mining coalition. Richmond also announced that Irish Defence Forces personnel will conduct another basic training module for Ukrainian armed forces through the European Union military assistance mission, bringing the total number of modules delivered by Irish instructors to 22.

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The radar systems are likely Giraffe Mark IV units, preparations for which were announced earlier this year. Ireland's Defence Forces operate seven Giraffe Mark IV radars, purchased in 2008.

The Giraffe Mark IV is a mobile early warning and air defence control radar developed by Swedish company Saab. Part of the oldest generation in the Giraffe radar family, it is designed to detect low-flying aerial targets in complex electronic warfare environments and amid natural or artificial obstacles.

The system is mounted on a BV206 tracked all-terrain vehicle chassis. "The Mk IV model is equipped with a retractable mast that allows the antenna to be raised to a height sufficient to detect low-flying targets, including those in cover zones behind terrain or buildings," according to technical specifications.

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First introduced in 1977, the system has been supplied to the armies of Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, and Ireland. The Irish units have a detection range of up to 50 kilometers and can track up to 20 aerial targets simultaneously.

Richmond emphasized Ireland's ongoing commitment to Ukrainian defence. "Through the Department of Defence, we continue to provide direct military support-in-kind," he said, adding that Ireland has contributed approximately €66 million to the European Peace Facility for non-lethal military support to Ukraine.

The minister also revealed that in July, Ireland provided €10 million each to coalitions on de-mining and IT support. The remaining €80 million is being disbursed to EU member states for procurement partnerships, "primarily for the procurement of non-lethal elements of air defence."

Richmond concluded by reaffirming Ireland's position: "Our continued support for Ukraine is a necessity, not a choice. It is why Ireland stands with Ukraine now and however long it takes."