Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
139. Deputy Noel McCarthy asked the Minister for Defence to provide an update on Ireland’s air defence capability; if it remains the policy of her Department to pursue the establishment of an Irish Air Force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [72037/25]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, I am deeply committed to the transformation of the Defence Forces into a modern fit for purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
In relation to air defence capability, the development of a new ground based air defence system, including Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) elements, is a key objective of the overall Military Radar Programme. In line with the Commission on the Defence Forces recommendations, this will be compatible with and integrated into the Recognised Air Picture (RAP). The required air defence capability will need to be deployable, scalable and fully interoperable to protect against any potential air threats.
Good progress is being made across all elements. I was pleased to recently welcome the approval by the Dáil of the Government’s proposal for a substantive capital supplementary estimate of €19 million on the Defence Vote. It is intended that the additional budget allocation will be used to procure, in an accelerated manner, Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities for the Defence Forces, that will provide enhanced aerial protection..
It is anticipated that delivery of the C-UAS capability will be available for use by the Defence Forces, if needed, as part of the comprehensive security arrangements to be put in place during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2026.
In terms of the policy of my Department to pursue the establishment of an Irish Air Force, the Commission on the Defence Forces recommended in its 2022 report significant changes for the Defence Forces and Defence provision in Ireland. It covers high level Defence Forces structures, defence capabilities, organisation, culture and human resources, the Reserve Defence Force and funding.
In relation to the Air Corps and the Naval Service, the Commission on the Defence Forces stated "Given the importance of service parity, the names of both should change to the Air Force and the Navy respectively." As part of the legislation on Command and Control (C2), it is proposed to change the name of the Air Corps to the Air Force.
The Commission on the Defence Forces also recommended "The Chief of Defence to initiate an immediate force design process assisted by external experts with access to international military expertise, and to include a detailed force design process."
The Defence Forces have established three Force Design teams within the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps and an overarching strategic force design office has also been established to look at the design of a Strategic HQ.
On completion of the force design work by the Defence Forces, the Chief of Staff will submit a report on Force Design to me for review. This is complicated and challenging work which we need to get right to ensure that we design a modern force which is fit for purpose for future generations.
