With its 4×4 hybrid drivetrain, 4 TROOP incorporates integrated uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) systems and advanced sensor suites and is capable of both discrete and long-range operations.   Possible further Thales purchase for the DF? Would be a good addition. army-technology.com/news/ren…

Recent Defence Forces Corps of Engineers training in the Glen of Imaal. Some very interesting capability on show here. The MineWolf remote-controlled mine clearance system is the obvious one. It gives engineers a protected way of dealing with mined or contaminated ground without putting personnel directly into the danger area. The field setup also stands out. With internal living and working area looks very well put together, proper tented accommodation, planning boards, power, lighting and enough space to run a functioning tactical HQ or engineer control point. Also appears to be a newer power generator setup in use, including solar panels, which is exactly the kind of thing that matters in the field. Less reliance on fossil fuel generators means less logistics, less noise, less heat signature and better endurance. The drone is another interesting part of the setup. It appears to be a DJI Matrice 300/350-style enterprise UAV with an underslung sensor payload. In this type of engineer context, a drone could be used for route reconnaissance, obstacle assessment, minefield or hazard observation, mapping, overwatch and feeding better situational awareness back to commanders. Nice new comms setup too! Personnel appear to be using the newer SDR radios with connected mobile devices. Likely being used to support situational awareness, blue force tracking or a battlefield management system, giving commanders and troops a clearer picture of what is happening on the ground. This is the kind of exercise that shows where the DF has put some good investment into - engineers, communications, power, drones, mobility and sustainment all working together. Great to see it all being tested in the field! 🇮🇪🇮🇪

An Garda Síochána is to extend its taser pilot for six months until the end of 2026 and expand it to Limerick. jrnl.ie/7070569

Irish Defence Forces helicopters have been practising shooting down drones in recent weeks as part of their preparation for next month’s EU Presidency. The AW 139 helicopters are attached to the Number Three Operations Wing in Baldonnel, Co Dublin. jrnl.ie/7066283

As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, personnel from No. 3 Operations Wing recently undertook a demanding training exercise to maintain and enhance key operational capabilities. The exercise included counter drone engagements, with Air Corps helicopter crews successfully engaging multiple remotely controlled aircraft, as well as armed maritime interception training against fast moving vessels at sea. Training such as this ensures Air Corps crews remain ready to respond to evolving security challenges and provide critical aviation capabilities in support of national security and Ireland’s EU Presidency commitments. #ÓglaighnahÉireann

Legend

What a shame Leinster couldn’t hold on to big Jim. Been an amazing player for both province and country!

The government is set to press ahead with plans to remove the Triple Lock governing overseas deployments of Irish troops today. Under the proposed changes being brought to cabinet, the requirement for UN Security Council authorisation would be removed. jrnl.ie/7064492

Cabinet expected to sign off on plan to scrap Triple Lock on deploying Irish peacekeepers abroad independent.ie/irish-news/po…

Irish Defence Forces at risk of running out of ammunition stocks as multiple wars rage (via @thejournal_ie) jrnl.ie/7063657

Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha welcomed the decision on June 8, stating that the move addresses urgent concerns regarding European-made materials potentially entering supply chains that support Russia’s military-industrial complex. united24media.com/war-in-ukr…

US congressman demands probe into Israel’s 1967 attack on USS Liberty aje.news/jspizp

“In practice, FLF Finland will strengthen NATO’s deterrence and defense in the High North by providing SACEUR with forces specialised on Arctic conditions, reinforcing the security of Finland and our neighbouring regions. At the same time, we will provide our Allies with an opportunity to exercise land warfare in Arctic conditions” en.highnorthnews.com/politic…

Ah the Steyr A1, old webbing, and PRRs. With new mod 14s soon to be replaced by mod 24s (correct me if I’m wrong on the number) to include extra picatinny rails, new IMBAS modular body armour, and new SDR radios for squad level comms, we’re going in the right direction in fairness.

As preparations continue for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, the Defence Forces Ordnance Corps recently conducted Exercise Beag, a complex multi-agency Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (CBRN EOD) exercise. As the providers of the State’s strategic CBRN EOD capability, Ordnance Corps personnel trained alongside An Garda Síochána and Dublin Airport Police in a challenging operational scenario involving a fictional terrorist cell, an intelligence-led raid on a clandestine laboratory, and response to a complex chemical attack. The exercise tested specialist CBRN and EOD procedures, command and control arrangements, and inter-agency coordination in a realistic operational environment. It also validated critical national capabilities and strengthened interoperability between the Defence Forces and State security agencies. As Ireland prepares to host a significant programme of high-level international engagements during its EU Presidency, exercises such as Exercise Beag play an important role in ensuring specialist personnel remain prepared to respond to complex security and public safety incidents. Enhancing readiness through partnership, professionalism, and preparedness 🤝

It’s not just the cameras. It’s the software licences to be able to use them, all the infrastructure and hardware needed to be able to charge, store, and maintain the system as a whole. “The vast majority of the €150 million investment will be spent on a digital evidence management system which processes and stores the footage captured on the cameras”

Serbian UN peacekeeper killed in south Lebanon rte.ie/news/2026/0604/157672…

Joint Garda & Defence Forces CBRN training shows the type of specialist capability that is rarely seen by the public, but is essential for national emergency response. CBRN stands for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear. It covers incidents involving toxic chemicals, biological hazards, radioactive material or nuclear related contamination. These scenarios can include suspicious substances, contaminated crime scenes, industrial accidents, terrorist incidents, or explosive threats involving hazardous material. The green and grey protective suits pictured are not standard issue Defence Forces kit. They are specialist CBRN protective suits used by trained personnel, particularly within the Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal capability. EOD teams are not just responsible for conventional explosive devices; they also provide specialist support where explosive threats may overlap with chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear hazards. The location appears to be the MTF facility in the DFTC, which would make sense for this type of scenario based training. Facilities like this allow Gardaí and Defence Forces personnel to practise cordons, entry procedures, evidence handling, detection, decontamination and command and control in a controlled environment before responding to a real incident. Exercises like this matter because no single agency deals with a CBRN incident alone. An Garda Síochána may secure the scene, manage the investigation and protect the public, while the Defence Forces provide specialist military capabilities. A strong example of inter agency cooperation in Ireland. Gardaí, Defence Forces EOD and CBRN-trained personnel working together. 🇮🇪🇮🇪

About time!

Ireland is the most pro-EU nation in Europe. 93% of Irish people agree that the country has benefited from being a member of the European Union, while only 5% disagree. We recognise that this country couldn't have become the success it is today without EU membership. 🇮🇪🇪🇺