The decision in principle to buy €600 million worth of armoured military vehicles and artillery from France puts some shape on how the Defence Forces could implement Irish military doctrine, which commits to defend the State’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieut Gen Rossa Mulcahy, has reiterated that the plan for such an eventuality is “…to be able to provide a defence to repel any initial invasion and then look for support from partners”. How the State would do this has always seemed a little unclear, as has the identity of the partner or partners in question. Until recently it did not appear a very pressing problem.
The convulsions that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago have changed all that. Credible risks to the State’s security are now readily identifiable.
Part of the answer is the planned investment in new equipment announced this week along with other previously announced purchases – a €500 million military radar system, a €60 million sonar system and three maritime patrol and transport aircraft. They lend credibility to the idea that the State could, if needed, defend itself until help arrives – and, importantly, guard against threats to key energy and communications infrastructure.
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The new equipment will be of little use without soldiers, sailors and pilots to operate it. Recruitment into the Defence Forces is a chronic problem, leading to naval vessels and other existing equipment lying idle. The revitalisation of the Defence Forces that should follow the investment in new equipment should make a career in the military more appealing.
Significant improvements in pay and conditions have been implemented. The transformation of the army from a light infantry force with significant expertise in peace keeping to a motorised armoured force focused on territorial defence using modern equipment and systems should also help in this regard.
This change in posture will inevitably fuel debate about the consequences for our long-term policy of military neutrality. But the ability to protect the State and its vital infrastructure in changed circumstances is vital.
Greater cooperation with like minded countries is necessary to meet our security needs and discharge our obligations. The National Maritime Security Strategy, also announced this week. calls for co-operation with European allies, both bilaterally and through organisations such as the UK- led joint expeditionary force (JEF).
These and other developments can best characterised as a transition from an almost passive neutrality predicated on minimal threats to a more assertive deterrent-based approach appropriate to dramatically changed circumstances.
