Minister for Defence Helen McEntee has outlined a €1.7 billion defence spending plan that will run until 2030.
It will aim to speed up the modernisation of the Defence Forces and to improve defence capabilities across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
Speaking at the Curragh Camp in Co Kildare, Minister McEntee said she is really pleased to have brought the plan to Cabinet this week for the Defence Forces, adding that its an increase of 55% on a previous plan.
She said that "it's essential that we continue to increase our funding, our spending and our focus on the Defence Forces".
"We all know the changing environment and world that we live in. We know the type of changing threats that are emerging and my focus and priority as Minister for Defence is to make sure the Defence Forces are growing, expending and we are enhancing capabilities."
She said the plan is focused in particular on the expansion and development of a new radar system which will be developed over the coming years out to 2028. This will give enhanced capability and capacity.
She said she will bring a plan to Cabinet for the radar but there will be immediate focus on counter-drone technology that will be able to "identify and neutralise any drones that are identified as a threat".
Watch: McEntee outlines €1.7bn defence spending plan to run to 2030
Given what we have seen in Ireland and Europe in recent times, she said it is essential this is in place "as soon as possible not least because of the upcoming European Presidency".
There will also be millions of euro set aside for anti-drone technology which is particularly relevant given the sighting of drones close to the flight path of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his recent visit here.
More Air Corps helicopters along with an aircraft that can carry personnel and equipment over long distances will be purchased.
Major upgrades are also planned for the naval service's subsea capabilities while more funding will be available to renew the army's armoured fleet .
Minister McEntee said that the plan shows a determination to strengthen the State's defences in light of the changed geopolitical environment since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
She said there will be investment in technology and equipment for the men and women of the Defence forces, €400 million for training camps, accommodation, gyms and overall infrastructure.
There will also be investment in new aircraft purchases as well as for personnel carriers and fleet.
There will also be an investment in sonar capacity to make sure Ireland has the ability to monitor sub sea cables.
Capabilities to 'neutralise drones identified as a threat', says McEntee
Ms McEntee said it is "absolutely essential" to increase funding on defence. "We know the type of changing threats that are emerging," she said.
Ms McEntee also said her focus is to increase capabilities.
She said the new counter drone capability will also be able to "neutralise any drones that are identified as a threat".
She said this is "essential" and must happen "as soon as possible".
Ms McEntee said the Ukrainian's President visit to Ireland was "successful". However, she said drones were identified in the sky "at certain times".
Ms McEntee said a review is under way and she has spoken with the Chief of the Defence Forces.
"What we are seeing here is what is being reflected across the EU. We have to find out the information and respond and learn from it," she said.
Ms McEntee said: "These drones are designed to disrupt."
"We have to understand what has happened. This is why we are investing in our defence forces," she added.
The Minister said there are three legs to the rollout of Ireland's radar system, adding that counter drone technology will be in place by the time of Ireland's EU Council Presidency next summer.
