Ireland is set to significantly enhance its maritime security, with the Defence Forces preparing to join a European intelligence-sharing alliance amid growing concerns over foreign surveillance activity in Irish waters.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has instructed his department to fast-track the acquisition of advanced sonar and radar systems.
The move is aimed at strengthening the country’s ability to monitor and protect its airspace, territorial waters, and vital undersea infrastructure — including communication cables, electricity interconnectors, and gas pipelines.
The decision follows the recent passage of a Russian spy vessel through Irish waters. The ship, which had been identified as a vessel of interest, was closely tracked by the Irish Naval Service.
Its presence has reignited fears about the vulnerability of critical underwater infrastructure, particularly in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Defence officials have become increasingly alarmed at the frequency and nature of Russian maritime activity near Western Europe's coastlines. Undersea cables, which carry everything from internet data to financial transactions, are seen as potential targets in a hybrid warfare scenario.
In response to these evolving threats, Ireland will join a new intelligence-sharing pact with 10 other European nations. The alliance — composed of both military and civilian agencies — will coordinate surveillance and analysis of maritime activity, improving the collective response to any potential security threats in European waters.
