Dublin, 8 October 2025 — Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has welcomed a record allocation of €1.49 billion for Defence in Budget 2026, marking an 11% increase on last year and a 35% rise since 2022. The funding, the highest in the State’s history, is intended to strengthen Ireland’s defence capabilities and accelerate the transformation of the Defence Forces.
Capital Investment and Equipment
The budget includes an unprecedented €300 million in capital funding for 2026, with nearly €1 billion committed through 2028. This will advance key projects such as the Military Radar Programme, Subsea Awareness systems, Software Defined Radio, and the acquisition of H145M Light Utility Helicopters. Additional investment will go toward force protection equipment, reflecting heightened geopolitical challenges.
Infrastructure and Modernisation
Funding will continue the modernisation of military installations, with a focus on accommodation and fitness facilities to improve conditions and support recruitment and retention.
Personnel and Pay
A significant €873 million in current spending will support the recruitment of 400 additional Permanent Defence Force members. Pay allocations of €485 million will see graduate cadets start on €51,184, school leaver cadets on €45,795, and privates/able seamen on €41,880.
Other measures include:
- €10 million for Air Corps fleet maintenance and training.
- €10 million for new Defence Forces uniforms.
- €7.5 million to cover the Tribunal of Inquiry costs linked to the Independent Review Group report.
- Over €5 million for civilian recruitment and external expertise.
- Additional funding for digital transformation, maritime security, and national resilience campaigns.
Veterans and Reserve Support
The budget also provides €317 million to meet pension costs for Defence Forces veterans and dependents, alongside increased support for the Reserve Defence Force and Civil Defence.
Minister’s Statement
Minister Harris said the allocation “demonstrates this government’s unwavering commitment to Defence and those who serve our State,” adding that the funding will both enhance operational capabilities and deliver on the transformation agenda set out by the Commission on the Defence Forces and the Independent Review Group.
Outlook
With record levels of investment in personnel, infrastructure, and equipment, Budget 2026 positions the Defence Forces for significant renewal. The government has signalled that this is part of a longer-term trajectory toward higher levels of defence spending in line with Ireland’s evolving security needs.
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Sources: Department of Defence; Gov.ie – Budget 2026 Defence Allocation gov.ie.
