The Government should work with other European Union countries to build up its own military drone defences given the increased threat of interference posed by Russia, Micheál Martin has said.
EU leaders discussed greater co-operation on defence spending and strengthening support for Ukraine during a summit in Copenhagen on Wednesday.
The meeting debated new proposals for a “drone wall” on the EU’s borders, to detect, jam or possibly shoot down Russian drones that crossed into the territories of member states. These proposed defences would initially be concentrated on the bloc’s eastern borders before being rolled out continent-wide.
Ireland has already committed to a standalone project to update its own meagre air defences. This includes the purchase of primary radar systems, surface-to-air missiles and anti-drone technology.
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[ EU ‘drone wall’ to protect entire continent, says defence chief ]
Speaking on his way in to the summit, the Taoiseach said Ireland should team up with other EU states when upgrading radar capabilities for the Defence Forces and on efforts to guard against drone interference or threats to undersea cables.
“It makes a lot of sense that we would work with other member states, who may have particular expertise, to develop stronger technological capability in respect of drones, for example, in respect of protecting subsea cables, cybersecurity as well,” Mr Martin said.
“These are the modern threats and we have witnessed reckless manifestations . . . on behalf of Russia in respect of drone violation of airspace.
“We are already engaged in defence procurement and potentially joint acquisitions and joint procurement with other member states in respect of key purchases [of] radar.”
The Department of Defence said the European Commission had yet to issue any “definitive proposal” for the development of a so-called drone wall.
“Once any proposal is made, Ireland, like other member states, will consider such a proposal in line with its national priorities,” it said.
The suggestion to upgrade Europe’s anti-drone defences follows recent incursions of Russian drones into Polish air space, which sparked alarm. Rogue drones shut down several airports in Denmark last week as well. The Danish government has pointed the finger at the Kremlin as the most likely source of the disruption.
EU leaders went back and forth on a proposal to use Russian cash to finance a €140 billion loan to fund Kyiv’s efforts on the battlefield. The Russian assets have been frozen inside the EU under economic sanctions introduced after its invasion of Ukraine.
It is understood there was a push during the Copenhagen summit to ensure national capitals set the EU’s direction of travel when it came to greater defence co-operation. Such a move would possibly remove power from the union’s executive arm led by Ursula von der Leyen, which has been taking on a bigger role in that area.
