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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences]()
Canada to deepen integration of multi-domain capabilities to strengthen its defences
The Canadian Department of National Defence has created new organisations to manage the procurement and integration of all-domain solutions and allocated US$258.33 million to strengthen production capacities.
-
![US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry]()
US National Security Strategy prioritises advanced military capabilities and national industry
The 2025 NSS has emphasised investment in the US nuclear and air defence inventory and national industry, but it leaves multiple unanswered questions on how the White House will implement this approach.
