Minister for Defence launches €1.7 billion Defence Sectoral National Development Plan 2026–2030
- Foilsithe: 11 Nollaig 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 11 Nollaig 2025
The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, today launched the Defence Sectoral National Development Plan (NDP) 2026-2030 during a visit to the Defence Forces Training Centre (DFTC) at the Curragh Camp. This marks the Minister’s first official visit to the DFTC since taking office.
The Minister unveiled 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%, on the previous baseline. In an era defined by a rapidly evolving geopolitical tensions, the investment will modernise Defence Forces capability across all domains and ensure that Ireland continues to meet its national and international security responsibilities.
Key features include:
- Record multi-annual investment rising from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030.
- Major capability upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
- Full delivery of the Military Radar Programme by 2028, with phased rollout beginning in 2026.
- €19m accelerated investment in Counter-UAS systems ahead of Ireland’s 2026 EU Council Presidency.
- Air Corps modernisation, including:
- Four Airbus H145M helicopters (2027–2028)
- Progress on acquiring eight Super Medium Helicopters
- Delivery of a new Falcon 6X strategic aircraft
- Naval Service upgrades, including Towed Array Sonar, a Sonobuoy project, and the P60 Fleet Extension Programme.
- Army capability improvements, including:
- Midlife upgrade of 80 MOWAG Piranha III vehicles
- Progression of the Armoured Fleet Replacement
- Acquisition of RPAS/drones
- Rollout of Software Defined Radios
- €400 million investment in Defence Forces infrastructure, including accommodation, offices, gyms, aircraft hangars and naval berthage.
- €175 million for IT, transport, engineering and ordnance systems.
- Strong governance structure, including updated Equipment Development and Infrastructure Development Plans and rigorous procurement oversight.
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. 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).
“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.''
Minister McEntee
Ends