Ireland has launched a new Defence Sectoral National Development Plan (NDP), which sets out the government’s record $2 billion capital investment in defense over the next five years.
The plan, unveiled by Minister of Defense Helen McEntee at the Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC) in the Curragh Camp, commits targeted funding to critical defense force enhancement, including naval modernization.
In an era defined by rapidly evolving geopolitical tensions, the investment is expected to modernize the armed forces’ capability across all domains and ensure that Ireland continues to meet its national and international security responsibilities.
A centerpiece of the naval dimension of the NDP is investment in advanced sub-surface detection systems. These include:
towed array sonar upgrades, which will provide Irish naval vessels with enhanced underwater acoustic awareness, enabling them to better detect and track objects and activities beneath the surface of the sea; sonobuoy project that broadens maritime domain awareness and supports anti-submarine and sub-surface monitoring missions; and,
These systems align with recent contracts and capability enhancements already underway, including multi-million-euro acquisitions of towed sonar technology from Thales DMS France, intended to bolster maritime surveillance and protect critical undersea cables, pipelines and other infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the P60 Fleet Extension Program, which comprises Samuel Beckett-class offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), aims to sustain and expand the Irish Naval Service’s offshore patrol vessel (OPV) capability, vital for a persistent maritime presence.
The four Samuel Beckett-class vessels have been designed to provide many years of service, primarily in the North Atlantic, undertaking a range of duties including fishery protection, search and rescue, anti-pollution and maritime security.
The 90-meter-long, 2256-ton OPVs have autonomous engine rooms and are capable of a top speed of 23 knots and a range of 6,000 nautical miles at a cruise speed of 15 knots on a single engine. The vessels are also equipped with configurable, serviced mission modules, with deck space to operate mission-specific equipment.
While specific new hull acquisitions were not detailed in the defense announcement, ongoing investments in the existing Samuel Beckett class underscore the plan’s commitment to sustaining and upgrading the fleet for decades to come.
Additionally, to underpin operational improvements, the NDP allocates €400 million for infrastructure. This includes the development and modernization of naval berthage facilities, which will support extended deployments, improved maintenance throughput, and enhanced logistics for surface and subsurface assets.
The Minister highlighted that Defence capital funding has increased from €141 million in 2022 to €300 million in 2026, rising further to €360 million by 2029.
”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.,” Minister McEntee concluded.
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