Ireland predicted to make French connection for vehicle buy
Irish Piranha III APCs as part of a Lebanon peacekeeping deployment; Ireland is looking to replace the vehicles. (Photo: Irish Defence Forces)
As Ireland looks to replace its RG32M 4x4 armoured patrol vehicles and Piranha III 8x8 armoured personnel carriers, a reported deal with France would rule out other European platforms that were being considered.
Ireland will opt for vehicles produced under the French Army’s Scorpion programme, according to French media reports, as part of a deal which may include CAmion Equipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie (CAESAR) self-propelled guns, despite there being no declared Irish requirement for this.
The purchase of CAESAR 155mm/52-calibre artillery systems would be a substantial boost for Irish forces which currently only operate 105mm L118 and L119 towed light guns. As a force which mostly deploys in peacekeeping roles, the acquisition would be a step change for the country.
According to the media reports, “Dublin should very quickly place an
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Predicted air defence spending boom opens doors to Indian industry]()
Predicted air defence spending boom opens doors to Indian industry
Recent conflicts have created a surge in interceptor demand worldwide while exposing potential supply chain challenges, positioning India as a cost-effective partner and scalable supplier.
-
![March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem]()
March land forces roundup: A new war confronts the old drone problem
The attack by the US and Israel on Iran which began at the end of February presented a Ukraine-like scenario of drone-led warfare – in fact the same drone type in the Shahed – and the problem of how to counter them.
-
![US Army moves towards calls for bids for medium UGV as competitors warm up]()
US Army moves towards calls for bids for medium UGV as competitors warm up
The US Army’s Medium Modular Equipment Transport Trailer (M-METT) programme is planned to provide a platform between Increment II of Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport and the Palletized Load System.
