Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
94. Deputy Peter 'Chap' Cleere asked the Minister for Defence the way in which the Defence Forces is developing its unmanned aerial systems capability; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [71843/25]
View answerAs Minister for Defence, one of my key priorities will be to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) or drones are deployed across the Defence Forces. These are small and medium sized systems which provide situational awareness, intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities for deployed personnel in training and on operations, both at home and overseas. These assets have no lethal offensive capabilities.
UAS capabilities are currently used by a number of branches within the Army such as by Ordnance Corps personnel to assist in the safe conduct of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) duties, as well as by Army Engineer personnel for activities such as Specialist Search and Clearance operations and training. The use of UAS capabilities serves to reduce risk exposure to personnel thereby increasing force protection and safety.
The Naval Service utilise UAS capabilities daily in the maritime domain for specific operations such as search and rescue, fishery inspections, damage assessments, port and offshore installation security, and maritime pollution monitoring. The Naval Service have also used UAS to support overseas operations including during Operation Pontus - the humanitarian search and rescue mission undertaken in the Mediterranean.
The Air Corps utilise UAS capabilities for operator training, photography and videography, communications, infrastructure inspections, and support to air crash investigations.
Looking forward, as the Army’s existing UAS capability is reaching its end of life, market research is being conducted to assist in the procurement of replacement and enhanced capabilities. To that end, and in compliance with EU public procurement procedures, a Prior Information Notice was published earlier this year to alert the market of the planned procurement and for market research purposes. This planned procurement remains at market research stage and no decisions have been taken on the final capability requirements for the replacement systems.
Furthermore, a specific recommendation in relation to the further development of the Defence Forces’ RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) capabilities was made by the Commission on the Defence Forces. The timeframe for implementation of this recommendation will be outlined in the updated Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, which is due to be published shortly.
