New EU Instrument to assist defence capability
- Foilsithe: 27 Meitheamh 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 27 Meitheamh 2025
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, today (Friday, 27 June) agreed that his Department should leverage a new European Union instrument – the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) Regulation – to speed-up the delivery of Ireland’s defence capability.
SAFE is intended to help EU member states focus on priority areas and address capability gaps, particularly through by engaging in joint acquisitions, where that’s appropriate.
Speaking today, the Tánaiste said:
“I have been steadfast in my commitment to continuously strengthen our Defence Capabilities, to achieve Level of Ambition 2 by 2028 and, following that, to move as quickly as possible to Level of Ambition 3.
“Availing of the possibilities available under the SAFE Regulation will allow Ireland to realise this ambition more quickly and more efficiently.
“I am determined to provide for the development of a full spectrum of Defence Force Capabilities that will bring Ireland in line with other similar-sized European countries.
“I have agreed, therefore, that the Department of Defence should leverage the common procurement opportunities offered under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) Regulation as much as possible to progress delivery of Ireland’s defence capabilities needs as quickly as possible.”
The new regulation provides a very efficient mechanism for Ireland to acquire specific equipment needs that have been identified and prioritised for the Defence Forces within the following areas: ammunition; artillery systems, ground combat capabilities, soldier equipment; critical infrastructure protection; cyber; military mobility; air defence systems; maritime surface and underwater capabilities; and drones and anti-drone systems.
Notes
- The SAFE (Security Action for Europe) instrument, which entered into force on 29 May 2025, is a new EU financial instrument designed to provide financial assistance to Member States to support their urgent public investments in defence industrial production, aiming to increase production capacity, improve the availability of defence products, and address capability gaps.
- The Regulation provides, amongst other things, for existing framework agreements or contracts held by Member States to be modified to add other Member States’ requirements providing certain eligibility conditions are met.
- The regulation focuses on common procurement initiatives and associations with Ukraine's defence industry, ultimately strengthening the EU's overall defence readiness. The SAFE instrument will support Member States wishing to invest in defence industrial production through common procurement, focusing on priority capabilities.