Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland is looking to upgrade its army vehicles and move towards the purchase of new platforms. (Photo: Irish DoD)
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
Ireland has identified what it plans to buy under a previously announced €1.7 billion (US$2.3 billion) capital budget including four Airbus H145M, eight medium helicopters and the replacement of its PC-9M trainers, much of which is already pencilled in or contracted.
The five-year plan, released by the Irish Department of Defence (DoD) on 11 December, also includes the midlife upgrade of 80 Mowag Piranha III vehicles, progression of the armoured fleet replacement and the purchase of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS).
In the near term, the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan (NDP) 2026–2030 promises the full delivery of the Military Radar
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