Ireland adopts middle course for defence spending growth with air surveillance radar a priority
Ireland is to spend €1.5 billion per year on defence by 2028. (Photo: Irish Defence Forces)
The Irish government aims to increase annual defence spending by 40% to €1.5 billion by 2028 with better airspace surveillance identified as a critical requirement, although no firm procurement decisions have been made.
The Irish government is planning to increase annual defence spending by more than 40% over the next six years to fund a primary radar capability, and also to increase wages of almost all personnel in an effort to retain members and increase the size of the defence force.
This move follows a report in February 2022 from the Commission on the Defence Forces which suggested three funding and programme options: the status quo of a €1.1 billion ($1.13 billion) budget, an increase to €1.5 billion, or a doubling of the budget.
The government chose the second option but aims to
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
