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
-
![Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide]()
Pentagon’s FY26 defence budget proposal is $130 billion more than US Congress plans to provide
The House Committee on Appropriations approved a FY2026 bill reducing investments in main defence programmes.
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
