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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan]()
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
![New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia]()
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees]()
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
