Minister McEntee outlines details of €1.7billion defence spending plan
Minister for Defence Helen McEntee outlined details of a record €1.7 billion spending plan during a visit to the Curragh Camp today.
Minister McEntee launched the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan (NDP) 2026-2030 during a visit to the Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC) at the Curragh Camp, on her first official visit to the DFTC since taking office.
The Minister unveiled the comprehensive plan that sets out the Government’s record €1.7 billion capital investment in Defence over the next five years, an increase of €600 million, or 55 per cent, on the previous baseline.
In an era defined by a rapidly evolving geopolitical tensions, the investment aims to modernise Defence Forces capability across all domains and ensure that Ireland continues to meet its national and international security responsibilities.
There will be record multi-annual investment rising from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030. Major capability upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains are planned.
Full delivery of the Military Radar Programme is promised by 2028, with phased roll out beginning in 2026.
An accelerated €19m investment in Counter-UAS systems has also been announced ahead of Ireland’s 2026 EU Council Presidency.
Modernisation of the Air Corps will include the purchase of four Airbus H145M helicopters (2027–2028).
The plan includes progress on acquiring eight Super Medium Helicopters and delivery of a new Falcon 6X strategic aircraft
Naval Service upgrades will include Towed Array Sonar, a Sonobuoy project, and the P60 Fleet Extension Programme.
Army capability improvements will include Midlife upgrade of 80 MOWAG Piranha III vehicles and progression of the Armoured Fleet Replacement
Other features of the capital plan include: Acquisition of RPAS/drones; roll out of Software Defined Radios.
A €400 million investment in Defence Forces infrastructure is promised including accommodation, offices, gyms, aircraft hangars and naval berthage.
€175 million is earmarked for IT, transport, engineering and ordnance systems.
It also sets out strong governance structure, including updated Equipment Development and Infrastructure Development Plans and rigorous procurement oversight.
Minister McEntee highlighted that defence capital funding has increased from €141 million in 2022 to €300 million in 2026, rising further to €360 million by 2029.
The plan published today outlines how this investment will tackle capability gaps, modernise infrastructure and support the Defence Forces in delivering Government commitments under Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability).
Minister McEntee said: “This is the most significant investment package in the Defence Forces in the history of the State. The changed geopolitical landscape since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has made it absolutely clear that we must continuously improve and strengthen our defence capabilities. I intend to prioritise the actions necessary to achieve this. To remain effective, we must work effectively with our partners and ensure we can respond swiftly.''
''This plan will deliver the equipment, infrastructure and capabilities our Defence Forces need to operate safely and effectively, at home and overseas. We now have both the plan and the funding in place and my focus is firmly on delivery so that we can build a stronger, more modern and more resilient Defence Forces for the future.''