Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
116. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence the contracted delivery date for the recently announced €19 million counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capability; whether a supplier has been selected; and whether the system is contractually committed to be operational before Ireland assumes the EU Presidency in 2026. [72597/25]
View answer117. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence when and where Defence Forces personnel will be trained to operate the new counter-UAS capability; the number of personnel that will be trained; and whether this training will be completed ahead of the EU Presidency. [72598/25]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 116 and 117 together.
With Ireland assuming the Presidency of the EU from July 2026, there is an urgent operational requirement to prioritise delivery of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities for use by the Defence Forces.
Subject to negotiation and finalisation of a contract, the required capabilities are to be procured in an accelerated manner with planned delivery, and training, being carried out during the first half of 2026.
Pending finalisation of contract negotiations, and also for operational security reasons, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment on this matter, at this time.
