€1.7bn Defence Plan: What We Know So Far After Curragh Camp Launch

Thursday, 11 December 2025 13:04

By Martin Osborne - Head Of News

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee launched the programme during her first official visit to the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh Camp.

The Government has unveiled a €1.7 billion Defence investment plan for 2026 to 2030.

Minister for Defence Helen McEntee launched the programme during her first official visit to the Defence Forces Training Centre at the Curragh Camp today.

She said the plan represents a €600 million, or 55 per cent, increase on previous levels.

She said the focus is on modernising capability across land, sea, air, cyber and infrastructure.

The Military Radar Programme will begin phased rollout in 2026 and will be fully delivered by 2028.

Counter-drone systems will receive accelerated investment ahead of Ireland’s EU Council Presidency in 2026.

Air Corps upgrades include new Airbus H145M helicopters, progress on acquiring eight Super Medium Helicopters, a new Falcon 6X aircraft and the planned replacement of the PC-9M fleet by 2030.

The Naval Service will receive new sonar and surveillance systems and life-extension work on the P60 vessels.

The Army will see upgrades to 80 MOWAG Piranha vehicles, movement on the armoured fleet replacement, new drones and modern radios.

Infrastructure will also get a boost.

€400 million is allocated for new accommodation, offices, gyms, hangars and naval facilities.

A further €175 million will support IT, transport, engineering and ordnance systems.

Updated governance and procurement oversight will sit alongside the plan.

Former Independent Kildare South TD and ex-Army Ranger Cathal Berry said the lack of investment to date in the Defence Forces has consequences.

More from Local News

Kildare Council Shuts Down Push By Naas Mayor To Prioritise Certain Workers For Affordable Homes

Officials said introducing occupational preference could be considered discriminatory and may not comply with equality legislation, noting that national rules require affordable allocations to be based on income thresholds and housing need, not job titles.
Hours Apart: Laptops And Jewellery Stolen During Two Break-Ins At Homes In Kildare North

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who was in either area on Saturday and noticed suspicious activity to come forward.
GP Gaps Post-Pregnancy Flagged As Concern For New Mothers Across Kildare

Audio

Parts of Kildare are now among the worst areas in the country for access to a GP, according to new population-to-doctor figures.
Healthcare Assistant Home Support Strike Risk: SIPTU Says Kildare Not Immune If Dispute Escalates

Speaking to Kfm News, Siptu Organiser Graham Macken said long-standing issues over pay, rostering and working conditions have not been addressed by the HSE, despite multiple national agreements.
Today Marks 40 Years Since The First Mobile Phone Call Was Made - What Was Your First Phone?

Audio

It's 40 years today since the historic chat between Pat Kenny and Jim Mitchell, who was Communications Minister in 1985.
Maynooth Station Overhaul Delivers New Lifts, Lighting And Improved Access

The upgrades are part of a wider national accessibility programme.
Defence Minister To Unveil €1.7bn Plan To Modernise Defence Forces As Espionage Threat Grows

Audio

The Institute of International and European Affairs and Deloitte warn an armed attack on an EU member is no longer impossible.
CCTV Shows Edenderry Attack As Gang Behind Firebomb Allegedly Suspected In Kildare Murders

Meanwhile, over one thousand people turned out for a vigil in their memory in Edenderry tonight, Valerie lives in the estate where the attack happened at the weekend.