Barry Ward
Question:265. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Minister for Defence her views on the adequacy of the existing level of equipment available to the Defence Forces; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3463/26]
View answerTuesday, 20 January 2026
Questions (265)
Written answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. The acquisition, modernisation and upgrade of Defence Forces equipment are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.
This acquisition of military equipment through the utilisation of the Defence Equipment Development Plan is considered through joint civil-military co-operation, and provides a consolidated, structured basis for ongoing investment in military equipment to develop and maintain necessary capabilities.
The rolling Equipment Development Plan encompasses a programme of sustained equipment procurement/acquisition across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Strategic Framework and the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, building on the work done under the White Paper on Defence. This is part of the ambitious programme of work to move to Level of Ambition 2 ( LOA2) by 2028, and will ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment required to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
Capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to Defence under the National Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding represents an increase of €600 million (announced 23rd July in the National Development Plan) or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion. This significant increase reflects the Government’s commitment to continue to increase investment in our Defence Forces. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are actively reviewing all strategic equipment and infrastructural priorities to align with the revised 2026-2030 multi-annual capital allocations. The revised allocation will enable targeted progression on key elements of government commitments within Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.
Over the lifetime of this plan, the key Government capital priority for the Defence sector will be the delivery of the Military Radar Programme, following the recent approval by Government of the Preliminary Business Case. The target date for delivery is the end of 2028, but the roll-out of capabilities under the Programme will commence this year. My Department has also recently concluded a contract for the provision of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capabilities to the Defence Forces in advance of the EU Presidency.
Major Defence Equipment upgrade and replacement programmes also progressing include the Land Forces Capability Development and Force Protection Programmes, including an upgrade of the military transport fleet and next generation radio communications and signal equipment; the ongoing Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programme which includes the recent delivery of of the C295 Maritime Patrol/Military Transport Aircrafts and the Strategic Reach Aircraft and the procurement of Light Utility Helicopters, the ongoing Naval Service Vessel Renewal and Replacement Programme, which includes the purchase and refit of two Inshore Patrol Vessels and, the recently completed mid-life refit of the P50 Class of Naval Vessel, the procurement of four motor launches for the Naval Service Reserve, mid-life upgrade for the P60 class, fleet secondary armament replacement, and investment in subsea domain awareness capability.
There is ongoing investment in soldier systems including the procurement of an integrated modular body armour system and combat helmet for the Defence Forces, procurement of Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear protection suits and night vision equipment. Investment in uniforms, transport, communications and information technology, weapons and ammunition systems continues in 2026.
I am satisfied that the ongoing programme of prioritised sustained investment in upgrading and enhancing Defence Forces capabilities as provided for under the National Development Plan will ensure that the Defence Forces continue to be suitably equipped to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.