Irish Defence Forces Practice Drone Interception for EU Presidency Security
The Irish Defence Forces are training AW 139 helicopter crews to intercept drones in preparation for Ireland’s EU Presidency in November. This includes live-fire exercises and new counter-drone systems to secure a major Dublin summit. The training aims to enhance national security and fulfill EU commitments.
The Irish Defence Forces have been training AW 139 helicopters to shoot down drones using general purpose machine guns at the Gormanstown range in County Meath. This preparation is for Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency in November, which is expected to include a major summit in Dublin attended by numerous world leaders.
The Defence Forces confirmed the training, stating it included «counter drone engagements, with Air Corps helicopter crews successfully engaging multiple remotely controlled aircraft, as well as armed maritime interception training against fast moving vessels at sea.» Helicopters are considered more suitable for engaging slow-moving unmanned aircraft than PC-9 training aircraft, which are used for intercepting slow-moving light aircraft.
Rules of engagement for drones over land, particularly regarding civilian safety and the chain of command for ordering a shoot-down, remain unclear. Such an order would be a final option. A British private company, including former Royal Air Force members, assisted with the training in Baldonnel.
Additionally, the Irish Defence Forces acquired a new counter-drone system from a French company for the EU Presidency, with troops training in France. An Garda Síochána also purchased independent counter-drone equipment from an Irish company for its regional Armed Support Unit and national Emergency Response Unit.