Irish defence budget increased by just €100 million despite €25 billion surplus
Ireland operates two C295 maritime patrol aircraft and is getting a third C-295. (Photo: Irish Defence Force)
The budget of more than €1.3 billion is a record figure for the Irish Defence Forces but almost a quarter is to meet to meet the pensions costs of Defence Forces Veterans and their dependents.
Ireland’s Defence Budget for 2025 includes provision for a net increase of defence personnel by 400 members and will allow the Irish Air Corps to take delivery of a new Airbus C295W aircraft, the third of the airframe to be operated by the force.
The eight per cent increase in funding by €100 million (US$110 million) to €1.3 billion is part of a plan, subject to parliamentary approval, to increase the budget to €1.5 billion in 2028 in 2021 prices. While it is a boost, there is limited space for any new major capital purchases, with €469 million for Permanent
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Milrem Robotics puts forward multi-layered defence concept for NATO's eastern flank]()
Eurosatory 2026: Milrem Robotics puts forward multi-layered defence concept for NATO's eastern flank
Autonomous systems developer Milrem has evolved a model for an interoperable robotised approach to the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative (EFDI), showing how uncrewed systems could provide a multi-layered defence architecture in the air and on land along NATO’s eastern borders.
-
![Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP]()
Delays, departures and drama cloud UK defence programmes ahead of absent DIP
The UK defence secretary’s departure suggests that the long-delayed Defence Investment Plan is unlikely to meet the funding demands of the armed forces, with consequences for procurement and the UK’s standing at a NATO summit weeks away.
-
![Agile, sovereign, edge-ready: rewiring defence IT for a contested decade]()
Agile, sovereign, edge-ready: rewiring defence IT for a contested decade
Today's rapidly changing security landscape means that armed forces can no longer treat their data in the same way as in the past. What are the key challenges they face, and how can industry help them?
-
![US lawmakers prepare a historic investment in stockpile replenishment in FY2027]()
US lawmakers prepare a historic investment in stockpile replenishment in FY2027
The House Armed Services Committee recently released the Chairman’s NDAA FY2027 markup, which supports the Pentagon’s request for nearly $90 billion for long-range missiles, air defence interceptors, precision-guided munitions and industrial baseline items.
