Minister for Defence Helen McEntee has presented a €1.7 billion defence investment plan that will run through to 2030.
Its goal is to accelerate the modernisation of the Defence Forces and strengthen defence capability across land, air, maritime and cyber areas, reports RTE.
Speaking at the Curragh Camp in Co Kildare, Minister McEntee said she is very pleased to have brought the new plan to Cabinet this week for the Defence Forces, noting that it represents a 55% increase on the previous programme,
She said that “it’s essential that we continue to increase our funding, our spending and our focus on the Defence Forces”, reports RTE.
“We all know the changing environment and world that we live in. We know the type of changing threats that are emerging and my focus and priority as Minister for Defence is to make sure the Defence Forces are growing, expending and we are enhancing capabilities”, reports RTE.
She said the plan centres particularly on the expansion and development of a new radar system that will be built in the coming years up to 2028, providing improved capacity and capability, reports RTE.
She said she will bring a detailed plan for the radar to Cabinet, but that there will be immediate emphasis on counter-drone technology capable of “identify and neutralise any drones that are identified as a threat”, reports RTE.
Given recent incidents in Ireland and across Europe, she said it is vital that this is put in place “as soon as possible not least because of the upcoming European Presidency”, reports RTE.
There will also be significant funding allocated to anti-drone systems, which has become especially important after drones were spotted near the flight path of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his recent visit,
Additional Air Corps helicopters and an aircraft capable of transporting personnel and equipment over long distances will be acquired, reports RTE.
Major enhancements are also planned for the Naval Service’s subsea capabilities, and further funding will be provided to update the Army’s armoured vehicle fleet,
Minister McEntee said the plan demonstrates a clear commitment to reinforcing the State’s defensive posture in light of the altered geopolitical landscape following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, reports RTE.
She said investment will include new technology and equipment for Defence Forces personnel, along with €400 million for training camps, housing, gym facilities and overall infrastructure,
There will also be funding for new aircraft acquisitions as well as for personnel carriers and fleet upgrades, reports RTE.
There will be additional investment in sonar technology to ensure Ireland can effectively monitor subsea cables,
Ms McEntee said it is “absolutely essential” to boost defence funding. “We know the type of changing threats that are emerging,” she said, reports RTE.
Ms McEntee also said her priority is to expand capability across the Defence Forces,
She said the new counter-drone system will also be able to “neutralise any drones that are identified as a threat”, reports RTE.
She added this is “essential” and needs to happen “as soon as possible”, reports RTE.
Ms McEntee said the visit of Ukraine’s President to Ireland was “successful”. However, she said drones were detected overhead “at certain times”, reports RTE.
Ms McEntee said that a review is underway and she has spoken to the Chief of the Defence Forces,
“What we are seeing here is what is being reflected across the EU. We have to find out the information and respond and learn from it,” she said, reports RTE.
Ms McEntee said: “These drones are designed to disrupt”, reports RTE.
“We have to understand what has happened. This is why we are investing in our defence forces,” she added, reports RTE.
The Minister said the rollout of Ireland’s radar system has three main phases, adding that counter-drone technology will be operational before Ireland assumes the EU Council Presidency next summer, reports RTE.
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