Irish DoD advised to increase peacekeeping protection capabilities
An Irish Piranha III during off-road training. (Photo: Irish Defence Forces)
Countering peacekeeping threats by investing in new capabilities should be central to long-term Irish defence ambitions, a source says.
The Irish Department of Defence (DoD) should consider developing new capabilities to counter ‘low lethality’ threats such as attacks on peacekeepers, according to a source.
Speaking under Chatham House Rules during a ‘Commission on the Defence Forces’ webinar event on 7 April, the source referred to a 2018 incident involving the French Army in Mali being ambushed by ‘multiple suicide bombers’.
The source claimed that ‘state of the art’ land vehicles, valued at €3 million ($3.56 million) each, had saved those under attack but nearby civilians had not been as fortunate.
‘This is not an everyday occurrence on peacekeeping missions, but it
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
-
![US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule]()
US speeds up B61-13 nuclear bomb production as programme moves further ahead of schedule
The US government plans to accelerate production even further after achieving key B61-13 milestones months ahead of schedule, as the programme advances amid growing US-China strategic competition.
-
![Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align]()
Canada’s C$2 billion ACSV deal reinforces new defence industrial strategy as allies align
General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada is the country’s first strategic partner under the Defence Industrial Strategy’s Strategic Partnership Framework, an effort to provide companies with confidence to invest and boost the defence labour force.
-
![New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”]()
New UK armed forces minister frames High North defence as vital to “homeland security”
The UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces Louise Sandher-Jones made her first appearance in the role before the House of Commons Defence Committee this week to highlight efforts to improve capability in the High North.
-
![Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes]()
Canada seeks to strengthen industrial ties with the US on classified programmes
Ottawa explores expanding defence-industrial cooperation with Washington into sensitive programmes, an approach that could reshape NORAD modernisation, strengthen North American supply chains and create new opportunities for defence contractors.
