Meath-based Minister Calls for Additional €19m for Portfolio to Purchase Anti-Drone Technology - 24/11/2025

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence and Meath-East Fianna Fail TD, Thomas Byrne, wants an additional €19million for his portfolio to purchase anti-drone technology.Minister Byrne said there was an "urgent operational requirement" to purchase the equipment as Ireland was assuming the Presidency of the EU from next summer.He said this meant the need for such technology was required sooner and Ireland could not wait until they were acquired through the Military Radar Programme at a later date.Mr Byrne stressed that "subject to negotiation and finalisation of contracts" that Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities would be ready in early 2026, and Minister Byrne is joined us on The Agenda this morning to talk to us some more about this. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.