Ireland under threat from hybrid warfare, drones

James Cox

The presence of drones during the recent visit of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy once again highlighted Ireland's security vulnerabilities.

Hybrid warfare, which includes cyberattacks, drone incursions, and disinformation, has long been considered a big threat to the State.

This risk will significantly increase with Ireland due to take up the EU presidency. Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July 1st to December 31st, 2026.

The Irish Navy was unable to shoot down the drones amid confusion over rules of engagement.

Cathal Berry, a former TD and deputy commander of the Army Ranger Wing, told the Irish Examiner: "Ireland has no authority to shoot anything down out there unless there’s a direct threat to the ship itself.

“There was no direct threat to the ship, so normal rules of engagement apply. Anyone is entitled to fly helicopters or aircraft around in international waters, international airspace.

"And the main mission had already been achieved — president Zelenskiy has safely landed in Dublin Airport.”

Mr Berry said that LÉ William Butler Yeats lacked the ability to neutralise the drones, even if it needed to do so.

“There’s no soft kill option on the naval ship. The weapons on board are over 50 years old. They’re all second-hand, and most of the sighting systems are WW2 vintage. 

“So the only option they have is to pump a big load of lead up into the sky into the flight path and the approach route into Dublin Airport, which would be absolutely ridiculous and irresponsible.”