The defence budget will jump to a record €1.49 billion next year as the Coalition moves towards a promised 50 per cent increase in military spending by 2028.
The 2026 figure represents an 11 per cent increase for the Department of Defence. The extra funding will cover the purchase of big-ticket items, such as sonar and radar systems, as well as a new uniform for the Defence Forces.
Other projects include replenishing depleted ammunition stocks and acquiring new body armour through a joint purchase with other European Union countries.
A significant amount of money will be spent on increasing Defence Forces personnel, which currently stands at 7,500, well below its establishment strength of 9,500. The Government has committed to increasing the military’s size to 11,500 by 2028.
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Funding for 2026 will cover 400 new defence members, 50 new civilian roles and 70 additional civil servants to work in “critically important areas such as cyber security”, Minister for Public Expenditure Jack Chambers said.
There will also be funding for recruitment campaigns and training and healthcare supports.
A significant proportion of Department of Defence funding will be required for legal costs relating to a tribunal established to examine abuse within the Defence Forces.
The Representative Association for Commissioned Officers (RACO) welcomed the budget increase, saying it appears the Coalition is “on track” to meet its 2028 goals.
However, it said reaching a personnel strength of 11,500 by 2028 will be a “major challenge” requiring improvements in pay and pension arrangements.
The Government has committed to eventually increase defence spending to nearly €2 billion, taking into account inflation, in response to increasing international threats.
