Overview
- The Government published a five-year package representing about a 55% increase in defence investment.
- Defence Minister Helen McEntee said €19 million in counter-drone technology will be bought and deployed to have systems operational by next summer.
- Military‑grade radar will begin rolling out next year with a target for full capability by 2028, alongside new naval sonar and up to a dozen helicopters, including four already ordered.
- The Army will upgrade 80 Piranha III armoured vehicles and build dedicated drone and anti-drone units, with plans to replace fixed‑wing aircraft by 2030 reported by POLITICO.
- Authorities continue to investigate unmarked drones reported near the protection detail during President Zelenskyy’s visit, with no public attribution to date.