On the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine Ireland is set to increase its defense spending to €3 billion a year.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said that when the Programme for Government was agreed earlier this year it was decided to commit to increasing defence spending to Level of Ambition 2, which is €1.5 billion.
“But we also said that we want to go beyond that [and] head towards Level of Three Ambition and I think that’s where we need to get to,” said the Tánaiste.
Changes in foreign policy from the Trump administration has spread uncertainty across European capitals, coupled with Donald Trump’s decision to hold talks with Russia about ending the war in Ukraine. With the U.S. intent on stepping back in its defence of Europe, the subject of defence spending is high on the agenda across the EU and Britain.
The Tánaiste added: “And what I mean by that is we have a very significant sea around this island. Indeed, the sea space that we have is a lot larger than the land space that we have, and we clearly need to invest more in the capabilities of our Defence Forces, crucially, in the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann, and we want to see those numbers grow, but we also need to see things like radar, sonar equipment and infrastructure procured.
“So since taking up office, I’ve instructed my officials to prepare for larger defence budgets in the years ahead, but secondly, to also look at how we can procure equipment and infrastructure to improve the Defence Forces capabilities in a much more speedy manner.”
He added that the government has already committed to getting to €1.5 billion by 2028.
“If we want to reach the level of Ambition Three, it will require going well beyond that, but that will be a matter for government to consider.”
On Monday, the Tánaiste was in Brussels for a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers who are openly concerned about the future of transatlantic relations. The meeting came on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking ahead of the meeting Simon Harris said: “Ukraine must be directly involved in any potential peace negotiations and must define the terms and conditions. I look forward to hearing from Foreign Minister Sybiha regarding the situation on the ground and how best the EU can continue its support for the Ukrainian people.”
Meanwhile, the Irish government is to donate a substantial portion of Ireland’s ageing air defence systems to protect towns and small cities in Ukraine as Russia’s invasion enters its fourth year.
The transfer of the Giraffe Mark IV radar systems forms part of the government’s commitment to assist Ukraine with non-lethal military equipment and training, the Irish Times was reporting.
According to the Times report, official sources said he move was intended to show “continued solidarity” with Ukraine at a time when the government of Volodymyr Zelenskiy is coming under pressure from the Trump administration in Washington, which wants to reach a deal with Russia on ending the war.
Ireland is expected to give strong support to Ukraine at meetings in both Brussels and at the United Nations in New York on Monday, the third anniversary of the Russian invasion.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said that "on the third anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion" that he will be reiterating to Mr. Zelenskiy Ireland’s continued steadfast support for Ukraine and its people. This includes giving strong support for Ukraine’s accession to the EU.
