Ireland signs agreement with France for joint military training and intel sharing – The Irish Times

Ireland and France have agreed to deepen security cooperation, including sharing classified intelligence and jointly procuring military equipment, under a new framework agreement. The move comes as Ireland plans to purchase up to €2 billion in military equipment from France in the coming years and is considering requesting military assistance from France and other allies during its EU presidency.

Enhanced Security Cooperation

The France-Ireland Joint Strategic Framework 2026-2030 outlines planned collaboration across economic, cultural, and environmental areas, with a significant emphasis on increased defense cooperation. This includes exchanging classified information and working together to counter disinformation and hybrid attacks.

Potential Military Assistance During EU Presidency

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence Helen McEntee stated the government is “exploring” the possibility of requesting military assistance from France and other countries when Ireland takes over the EU presidency in July. This could involve the deployment of a French naval vessel off the Irish coast to monitor Irish airspace during major EU events and potentially address threats.

McEntee emphasized that seeking assistance from allies is a normal practice, citing Germany’s provision of military aid to Denmark during its previous EU presidency. The government is currently assessing the level of outside assistance needed during the presidency and how it might be implemented.

Significant Military Procurement Plans

The government has already agreed in principle to purchase up to 300 armored vehicles and artillery systems from companies part-owned by the French state, in a deal potentially worth €600 million. Additional planned purchases include a €60 million sonar system, €100 million in communication equipment from Thales, and three aircraft from Airbus totaling €300 million.

A further €500 million is earmarked for a military radar system from unnamed French companies. The new framework agreement highlights the need for Irish-French cooperation to address the “turbulent period” and ensure better outcomes for citizens.

Increased Joint Training and Policing Collaboration

The agreement will facilitate increased joint training exercises between the Irish and French militaries, along with educational exchanges for troops. Additionally, cooperation between the Garda, the French National Police, and the French Gendarmerie will be expanded to combat drug trafficking and money laundering.

France will send a police cooperation attache to Dublin, mirroring the Garda attache already stationed in Paris. Collaboration in training and intelligence sharing between the police forces will also be increased. The two governments will hold regular meetings between defense ministers and departmental secretaries general, as well as annual consultations on defense matters, including peacekeeping, maritime security, cybersecurity, and hybrid attacks.