Tánaiste confirms that Irish defence contract will be open to other EU Member States

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD, today (1 August) announced that his Department has taken a significant step to demonstrate Ireland’s commitment to the aims and objectives of the new European Union instrument – the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) Regulation.

The Tánaiste confirmed that his Department will now open up its recently awarded €16.5 million contract for the supply of Integrated Modular Body Armour Systems (IMBAS) to other EU Member States under the SAFE Regulation.

This move will allow interested countries to place orders for body armour for their own armed forces directly with the contracted supplier of the Irish IMBAS body armour systems without a lengthy procurement process.

Speaking today, the Tánaiste said: “This step is a demonstration of Ireland’s commitment to the aims and objectives of the SAFE regulation.

“It illustrates, in a very practical way, how this instrument can be used to the mutual benefit of those Member States who choose to use it.

“I am unwavering in my commitment to continuously strengthen our Defence Capabilities. Availing of the possibilities available under the SAFE Regulation will allow Ireland to realise this ambition more quickly and more efficiently by avoiding lengthy procurement.”

As announced in March 2025, the €16.5 million IMBAS contract for the supply of more than 6,000 modern body armour units for Defence Forces personnel will begin delivery in Quarter 4 of this year and will significantly enhance the force protection provided to Irish soldiers.

The new body armour system, designed in-house by the Defence Forces Ordnance Corps, is configured to be modified to enhance both the level of protection afforded and the essential equipment attached to the system. It will provide enhanced levels of ballistic and fragmentation protection for Defence Forces personnel, reflecting current proven developments in standards, materials and end user ergonomics.

The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy added: “The new IMBAS will enhance the personal force protection of our personnel, using insights from our own lessons learned and also learning from other militaries and police forces.

“Our troops face dangerous situations both at home and overseas as they train and operate to defend our State and contribute to global peace keeping operations. It is vital that they are equipped with a body armour system that protects them and enables them to operate in a dynamic and challenging environment for prolonged periods of time. Their safety is paramount to me as Chief of Staff, and I look forward to seeing this body armour in operational service in the near future.”

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The Department of Defence IMBAS contract is considered to meet these eligibility conditions.
4. The regulation focuses on common procurement initiatives and associations 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.
5. SAFE is intended to help EU member states focus on priority areas and address capability gaps, particularly through engaging in joint acquisitions, where that’s appropriate. The opening up of this contract under the SAFE Regulation will allow other member states with a similar requirement to benefit from this enhanced force protection for their troops.