Ireland to request European air defense support ahead of 2026 EU presidency

Ireland is considering asking for air defense assistance from its European partners during its upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), scheduled to begin in July 2026.  

The plan could include the deployment of an allied warship to Dublin Bay equipped with anti-aircraft missiles, according to The Irish Times. 

One candidate is the French Navy Aquitaine-class frigate Bretagne, which is scheduled to visit Dublin in November 2026. The multi-mission frigate (FREMM), equipped with Aster surface-to-air missiles, could form part of broader security efforts to protect Irish and visiting EU airspace during the more than 20 high-level meetings planned throughout the presidency. 

A FREMM frigate shooting an Aster 30 anti-air missile (Credit: Marine Nationale)Counter-drone battery at Baldonnel 

As part of its preparations, the Irish government has decided to fast-track the purchase of an unspecified counter-drone system. Tánaiste [deputy Irish prime minister] and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has reportedly instructed officials to secure urgent delivery of the system to detect, track, and intercept unmanned aerial vehicles. 

Under current plans, a single counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) battery will be deployed at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, which serves as the headquarters of the Irish Air Corps and is the country’s only airbase, located west of Dublin. This deployment aims to protect airspace during VIP arrivals and departures.

Additionally, the Gardaí are acquiring short-range anti-drone devices in cooperation with Dutch police, who have experience testing counter-UAS technologies. Among their more unconventional initiatives was a program that trained eagles to intercept small drones, which was ultimately discontinued in 2017 due to high costs and limited operational success.

Lessons from Denmark 

In many ways, Ireland’s planning echoes Denmark’s own response during the 2025 EU summits, when allied counter-UAS and air-defense assets were deployed after repeated drone incursions. France sent a 35-strong detachment and a light Fennec helicopter, configured for counter-drone operations, to work alongside Danish radar and electronic warfare units in detecting and neutralizing small UAVs over Copenhagen.  

The Fennec was equipped with electro-optical sensors and carried trained snipers armed with NEROD RF rifles, capable of jamming drone control links and disabling targets in flight. 

Additionally, Germany deployed the Sachsen-class air-defense frigate Hamburg to reinforce long-range airspace surveillance with its radar and surface-to-air missile systems, an arrangement closely paralleling Dublin’s consideration of the French FREMM Bretagne for a similar role. 

Addressing the air defense gap 

The move also highlights Ireland’s longstanding vulnerability in air defense. The country has not operated combat jets since 1998, when its Light Strike Squadron, flying Fouga CM170 Magisters, was retired. It currently relies on a secret bilateral arrangement under which the UK Royal Air Force intercepts unidentified aircraft in Irish airspace. 

Former Irish Air Corps Head General Ralph James has described Ireland as “probably the most vulnerable” country in Europe, warning that neutrality cannot substitute for credible air surveillance and interception capability. 

In recent years, Ireland has begun modest efforts to rebuild its air domain capabilities. The country recently completed delivery of its third and final Airbus C295 aircraft, marking the completion of a €300 million program that strengthened both maritime patrol and transport capacity.  

Ireland also plans to acquire its first combat jets in more than 50 years: cost estimates range between €60 million and €100 million per year over 20–25 years, with a preferred fleet size of 12–14 aircraft, potentially bringing the total investment to as much as €2.5 billion. 

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While no formal requests have been made, Minister Harris has said that strengthening air surveillance and counter-drone capabilities will be “key early priorities” ahead of 2026. The new counter-drone capability will form part of Ireland’s primary radar acquisition project, a €300 million program designed to give the state its first national radar coverage by 2028.  The post Ireland to request European air defense support ahead of 2026 EU presidency appeared first on AeroTime.

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