Budget 2026: Record €1.5 billion for Defence
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From: Department of Defence
- Published on: 7 October 2025
- Last updated on: 8 October 2025
A record €1.5 billion has been allocated in Defence funding in Budget 2026.
The allocation is an increase of €145 million (11%) in the Defence group allocation compared to 2025.
This represents an increase of €383 million (35%) to the Defence Vote Group since 2022.
It includes the highest ever level of capital funding, at €300 million in 2026 – with almost a billion provided out to 2028.
This level of investment ensures that significant progress can be made on key Defence Equipment projects, including the priority Military Radar Programme.
Other vitally important Defence projects, including Subsea Awareness, Software Defined Radio, H145M Light Utility Helicopters along with a wide range of Force Protection equipment, are set to benefit through the increased spending envelope. This spending is critically important in the current geopolitical situation.
The Defence Forces built infrastructure allocation is also set to continue to rise in 2026. This will facilitate the ongoing modernisation and upgrading of military installations throughout the country. A particular emphasis is being placed on targeting investment in accommodation and gyms to incentivise and retain new entrants to the Forces.
A significant current spending allocation of €873 million includes funding for the recruitment of a net 400 additional Permanent Defence Forces members.
This significant level of funding will also enable further progress on the transformation of the Defence Forces as identified and recommended by the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Independent Review Group.