THE DEFENCE MINISTER will bring revised deadlines for the completion of major defence projects such as counter drone tech, medium lift helicopters and other key equipment for the Defence Forces tomorrow.
Helen McEntee will bring two memos to cabinet in regard to the Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) and the strategic framework for the transformation of the Defence Forces. The original DIP was published in November 2023.
The Journal has learned that a number of dates in the DIP have been pushed out further, with sources stating that the money for those schemes has simply not been provided.
This includes additional medium lift helicopters that were supposed to be delivered by the middle of 2025, now more likely to arrive in 2028.
The military radar project will continue with the deadline of the end of 2028. Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems C-UAS) or anti-drone tech was due to be delivered in the middle of 2025 but will now be pushed out to the third quarter of 2026 – during the EU Presidency.
Some other capabilities, such as drones for the Defence Forces, have also been pushed back. They originally had a deadline of 2025 but a new deadline of 2028 is understood being considered.
Sources have said a military intelligence school initiative was due to be completed by the middle of 2025, is now unlikely to be operational until late 2027. The Joint Military intelligence service will continue with the deadline of the end of 2028.
It is understood that the Naval Service regeneration plan is ready to be issued and this will see major works taking place on Haulbowline in Cork Harbour as well as work to begin the process of purchasing new ships. It is not known when the date of completion is anticipated.
As revealed by The Journal last week the Defence Forces has been forced to tell An Garda Síochána that it will not be able to provide a dedicated counter drone capability for multiple locations.
The Defence Forces said it can only protect its airfield at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Co Dublin during the upcoming EU Presidency.
In December Helen McEntee announced at an event in the Curragh that there would be a record €1.7 billion capital investment in defence over the next five years – an increase of €600 million, or 55%, on the previous baseline.
Many of the individual measures mentioned today had been previously announced, notably in 2023 when the Government released a Detailed Implementation Plan.
McEntee announced that there would be a change in the National Development Plan to prioritise the acquisition of counter-drone technology and other key equipment for the Irish Defence Forces.
At tomorrow’s cabinet the Minister will outline a renewed focus on workforce planning and revitalising the Reserve Defence Force and developing modern joint capabilities.
McEntee will also outline that the Strategic Framework sets out priority actions for the year ahead, including boosting recruitment and retention, regenerating the Naval Service and Air Corps, improving equipment and working environments, progressing legislative reform and accelerating digital and data transformation.
A statement has been requested from the Department of Defence.
With reporting from Jane Matthews.
