Tánaiste and Minister for Defence welcomes record allocation of €1.5 billion in Defence funding in Budget 2026

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, today welcomed the record allocation of €1.49 billion in Defence funding in Budget 2026 - an increase of €145 million (11%) in the Defence group allocation compared to 2025.

This significant allocation represents an increase of €383 million (35%) to the Defence Vote Group since 2022.

Welcoming this allocation, the Tánaiste said: “The record allocation of almost €1.5 billion provided to Defence in Budget 2026 demonstrates this government’s unwavering commitment to Defence and those who serve our State. This increase to funding will facilitate ongoing investment in our Defence capabilities while also enabling crucial progress in the transformation of the Defence Forces.”

The allocation for Defence includes the highest ever level of capital funding, at €300 million in 2026 – with almost a billion provided out to 2028.

This level of capital investment ensures that significant progress can be made on key Defence Equipment projects, to include the priority Military Radar Programme. In addition, 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 which has been on an upward trajectory in recent years, is also set to continue to rise in 2026, and 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 PDF members – PDF inductions are rising, interest is increasing and the Defence Forces remains an excellent career choice for the Ireland of today.

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.

Budget 2026 will also see:

• €485 million provided for Permanent Defence Force pay, with a current Graduate Cadet on commissioning starting on €51,184; a School Leaver Cadet on €45,795 and a Private 3 Star/Able Seaman on €41,880;
• Within the €485 million provided for Permanent Defence Force pay, a €14 million allocation for the recruitment of a net 400 additional members;
• An additional €10 million to support Air Corps fleet maintenance, airfield and training costs;
• €10 million to facilitate payments on the contract for a replacement Defence Forces uniform, which will see improvements in the pattern, fabric and fit for all Defence Forces personnel;
• €7.5 million for the full year costs of the Tribunal of Inquiry in 2026 arising from the IRG Report;
• Over €5 million has been provided for additional civilian recruitment and to allow for an increased spend on external expertise and services;
• An increase of €0.5 million to the advertising allocation will further enhance Defence Forces ongoing recruitment efforts;
• Additional funding provided in 2026 for a number of other strategic priorities, including Digital Transformation, Maritime Security and a National Societal Preparedness and Resilience Campaign;
• Significant financial support provided to Reserve Defence Force and Civil Defence;
• €317 million provided in 2026 to meet the pension costs of Defence Forces Veterans and their dependents.