Ireland to increase defence capital spending by more than half to $2 billion
LÉ James Joyce (top) and LÉ George Bernard Shaw are a key part of the Irish Navy’s fleet which may be boosted in an effort to increase subsea awareness. (Photo: Irish Defence Forces)
Ireland has struggled to meet its defence needs in the face of historical underinvestment, current limited funding and its status as a neutral country. Flush with bonus but possibly unreliable tax receipts, the government has committed additional defence capital spending for the rest of the decade.
Ireland has announced an increase in defence capital expenditure for 2026-2030 from €1.1 billion (US$1.3 billion) to €1.7 billion, an increase of 55%, under funding unveiled in its National Development Plan released on 22 July.
Where the money will be spent will be outlined in the coming months but Ireland has previously noted a requirement for military radar, subsea awareness, force protection equipment, Defence Forces infrastructure and tactical uncrewed aerial systems. It also needs to fund preparatory work on possibly buying fighter aircraft and doubling the size of the naval fleet.
These planned procurements fall under Level of Ambition (LoA)
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
![New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace]()
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.
-
![Golden Dome for America hits one-year mark but key questions remain on its progress]()
Golden Dome for America hits one-year mark but key questions remain on its progress
Integration issues, bureaucracy and undefined policies and authorities could hamper the full implementation of the “shield” to defend the US territory against aerial threats.
-
![US Air Force pushes Sentinel’s initial capability to early 2030s despite China’s nuclear progress]()
US Air Force pushes Sentinel’s initial capability to early 2030s despite China’s nuclear progress
While the US struggles to modernise the 50-year-old land leg of its nuclear triad, China has been rapidly developing and fielding new nuclear capabilities.
