Ireland Buys Mobile ATC, Anti-Drone Systems for EU Presidency

The Irish Defence Forces is fast-tracking the acquisition of a mobile air traffic control tower and advanced anti-drone technology as part of a significant security upgrade ahead of Ireland’s presidency of the European Union (EU). The procurements, including a Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems capability costing up to €20 million, are scheduled to be operational by July 1, 2026.

This investment is part of a broader national security enhancement effort for the high-profile six-month presidency, which is estimated to cost the state €293 million. The preparations address growing concerns over potential hybrid threats, including rogue drone incursions and cyber-attacks. The security plan involves multiple state agencies, with An Garda Síochána (Guardians of the Peace of Ireland), the national police service, being allocated €125 million for overtime and equipment.

New Aviation and Defence Capabilities

The Department of Defence has initiated a tender for a mobile contingency air traffic control tower, with an expected cost of up to €850,000. This mobile unit, which can be operated by two air traffic controllers and a supervisor, is designed to provide resilient air traffic services during emergencies. It ensures that aircraft, including those carrying foreign dignitaries, can land safely if a primary control tower becomes inoperable. The tower will be based at Casement Aerodrome in west Dublin, the headquarters of the Irish Air Corps, but can be deployed to other airports as needed.

Separately, the government has finalized a contract for a sophisticated Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) capability, valued between €19-€20 million. This system is designed to detect, track, and neutralize unauthorized drones, a critical security measure for protecting sensitive summits and events. The C-UAS technology will also be based at Casement Aerodrome. Minister for Defence Helen McEntee confirmed that the system would be in place during the first half of 2026, stating she was “absolutely certain” the technology would be operational on time. The security plan will see cooperation between the Defence Forces' Army Ranger Wing (ARW) and the Garda's Emergency Response Unit (ERU).

Security Modernization Amid Hybrid Threats

The procurement reflects a broader trend of governments investing in C-UAS technology to secure high-profile political events against the rising threat of rogue drones. It also marks a significant step in the modernization of Ireland's defense capabilities. Historically a neutral country with modest military expenditure, Ireland's annual defense budget for 2026 has surpassed €1.5 billion, signaling a strategic shift towards enhancing national security infrastructure. Officials have cited the high risk of hybrid attacks, potentially from state actors like Russia, as a primary driver for these investments.

According to the Council of the EU, Ireland is scheduled to take over the rotating presidency in July 2026. The new systems are intended to create a robust security bubble around key venues and infrastructure, including airports, to prevent disruptions. The mobile ATC tower provides operational redundancy, while the C-UAS system offers a direct countermeasure to a specific and evolving threat vector that has been observed in other geopolitical contexts.

Path to Operational Readiness

The timeline for implementation is aggressive, with the C-UAS system expected to be fully operational by July 1, 2026, just ahead of the presidency's start. The acquisition of the mobile ATC tower is also being managed on a fast-track basis to meet the deadline. Minister McEntee has expressed confidence in the delivery schedule, promising that Ireland will be “better defended” by the time the presidency begins. These efforts are part of a national strategy to ensure the country can securely host major international events. The Irish Defence Forces are overseeing the technical implementation and training for the new equipment, which will become a permanent part of the nation's defense assets after the Presidency of the Council of the EU concludes.

Why This Matters

This procurement represents more than a temporary security measure; it signals a strategic enhancement of Ireland's national defense and aviation security posture. The investment in mobile ATC and advanced C-UAS technology reflects a proactive response to modern hybrid threats, positioning the Irish Air Corps to better protect critical airspace. For the broader aviation industry, it underscores the increasing integration of military-grade defense systems into the protection of civilian aviation infrastructure during major national events.

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