Ireland Explores Counter-Drone Measures Amid EU Presidency

Ireland is exploring air defense assistance from European partners, including the deployment of an allied warship with anti-aircraft missiles, to address its air defense gap. The country has not operated combat jets since 1998 and relies on a secret bilateral arrangement with the UK. Ireland plans to acquire its first combat jets in over 50 years, with a budget of €2.5 billion. The new counter-drone capability will form part of a €300 million program to give the state its first national radar coverage by 2028. The Irish government has instructed officials to secure urgent delivery of a counter-UAS system to detect, track, and intercept unmanned aerial vehicles. This move may signal a growing concern about aerial threats and the need for collective security measures in the region.