Ireland to explore options for tactical UAS procurement
Examples of drones that comply with the NATO Class-2 Tactical UAS category include Thales and Elbit Systems’ Watchkeeper X. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons / Andrew Linnett)
The EU planning notice cited that the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) would be used for predominantly for reconnaissance purposes with a greater range and endurance than drones currently operated by the Irish Defence Forces.
The Irish Department of Defence (DoD) has taken the first step towards to acquire a tactical UAS platform - one with the potential for strike capabilities.
Posted on 13 March, the planning notice stated that the DoD was undertaking a “preliminary” engagement of the market, ahead of the planned procurement for the UAS platform. The new Irish government has previously stated plans to boost the size of its defence capabilities.
According to the notice, the DoD is expecting responses to the market analysis by the end of next month. The estimated date a contract could be awarded for the tactical UAS was disclosed as
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![US pledges to become “AI-first warfighting force” as navy hits new autonomy milestone]()
US pledges to become “AI-first warfighting force” as navy hits new autonomy milestone
A memo released on Monday outlines three key areas where the Pentagon can accelerate its adoption of artificial intelligence, including paths to finding new ways to integrate AI in combat, while the US Navy continues to push ahead with AI-enabled autonomy.
-
![Project Nightfall to test fire deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine by 2027]()
Project Nightfall to test fire deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine by 2027
The UK competition for industry to develop deep-strike capabilities for Ukraine in its war effort against Russia will also provide benefits for the country’s own long-range strike efforts.
-
![US Marines seek suppliers for 10,000 low-cost sUAS with first delivery targeted for April]()
US Marines seek suppliers for 10,000 low-cost sUAS with first delivery targeted for April
The US Marine Corps is looking for vendors capable of quickly delivering off-the-shelf drones. The small uncrewed aerial systems are expected to carry diverse types of payloads.
