Ireland targets improved anti-drone capability before mid-year ahead of EU presidency
Ireland’s purchase of C295s is a major part of the country’s procurement plans, along with CUAS systems and radars. (Photo: Airbus)
With Ireland’s EU presidency set to commence from July this year, the ramped-up efforts to procure a counter-uncrewed aerial system and radar capability under its Military Radar Programme are on track to meet targeted roll-out dates.
The Irish government remains on target to be able to provide a counter-uncrewed aerial system (CUAS) during the country’s presidency of the Council of the EU for the final six months of 2026 with a boost to its defence forces.
As part of the presidency, the country will host high-profile visits from EU leaders, with accelerated anti-drone procurement efforts aimed at ensuring protection for dignitaries.
An Irish Department of Defence (DoD) spokesperson told Shephard that CUAS capability is “currently on track to be delivered [to the defence forces] during the first half of this year, including the completion of training”.
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 Land Warfare
-
![The science of soldier safety: How Team Wendy Is reinventing the modern military helmet]()
The science of soldier safety: How Team Wendy Is reinventing the modern military helmet
When soldiers head into the field, the helmet on their head can mean the difference between life and death. But while helmets may look simple from the outside, the technology inside them is anything but. Few companies illustrate this better than Team Wendy, whose newest bump helmet — the RECON™ Tactical — shows just how far modern head protection has come.
-
![Artillery lessons from the war in Ukraine spotlight future capability priorities]()
Artillery lessons from the war in Ukraine spotlight future capability priorities
The war in Ukraine has shown that artillery is still a vital tool in modern war. However, on a rapidly changing battlefield, there are a number of lessons from Ukraine about how artillery can be used in modern conflict.
-
![Drone Summit turns spotlight on smaller companies and new uncrewed systems]()
Drone Summit turns spotlight on smaller companies and new uncrewed systems
The Drone Summit saw more than 100 companies from 20 countries, including Latvia, Australia, Canada and Israel, presenting uncrewed surveillance and attack platforms. The event came just weeks after drones, believed to be Russian, invaded Latvia’s airspace.
