Willie O'Dea (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The Defence Forces has a radar capability used for national security and aid to the civil power operations.

The main radar capability of the Defence Forces is the Flycatcher radar system. This equipment was procured in 2002 from the Dutch armed forces. It is used to carry out the target acquisition and fire control of the Bofors EL70 40 mm air defence guns. Each radar unit is capable of controlling three guns and its purpose is to provide an effective defence against airborne threats flying at low and very low level. The system has an operational range of up to 20 km. A crew of two or three operates the system. The complete radar weighs about 6,000 kg and is carried on a two axle trailer. There are eight of these radars in service with the Defence Forces. The system is normally deployed for VIP visits, transits and summits.

The other main radar capability is the Giraffe G40 radar. The Defence Forces have one system in service. This equipment was procured new from Ericssons of Sweden in 1986. It is used to exercise command and control over RBS 70 surface to air missile firing units when deployed. It has an operational surveillance range of up to 40 km and an altitude ceiling of 15 km. It can be used to exercise command and control on up to nine RBS 70 missile firing units. The equipment has a crew of four — commander, radar operator and two operators — and is mounted on a 6X6 MAN truck. It is deployed regularly for VIP visits-transits and summits.

The Defence Forces also operate the AMSTAR ground surveillance radar. This is a man portable system used mainly by artillery observers for target acquisition and tracking. It is capable of detecting vehicles, depending on type, at ranges of 12 km to 35 km, helicopters at ranges of 10 km to 18 km and infantry at 7 km to 12 km. It has been deployed on peace support operations in UNMIL. There are eight of these radars in service with the Defence Forces.

The radar assets available to the Defence Forces are related to the level of threat and are considered by the military authorities to be appropriate and adequate in this regard.

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