Irish Defence Force calls for a drone fleet to bolster its work
The Irish Defence Force wants a drone fleet in a hurry. (Image: DJI)
The Irish Defence Force began inviting tenders on 13 August 2024 to supply UAS and accessories across two lots with two separate anticipated contracts.
The first lot was focused on Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), while the second was for companies that could supply uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) with “additional data encryption and operational capabilities”.
The competition notice appeared on the EU tendering website, with a closing date of 12 September 2024. Deliveries were timelined before 31 December 2024 suggesting relative urgency in the procurement.
Related Articles
Ireland’s government plots way forward for defence strategy
The drones are destined to be operated by the Corps of Engineers and will be put to a number of uses including surveying, surveillance, inspection, and search and rescue missions. The drones will be man-portable, easy to use and capable of delivering high-resolution imagery.
The notice on the EU tendering website priced the drone procurement package at €600,000 (US$657,190), which could open the tendering process up to smaller drone manufacturers, especially given the niche requirements of data encryption. According to Shephard Defence Insight, a typical UAV of the type specified would have a flyaway cost of around $14,000, meaning the tender would be for around 32 drones.
The Irish Defence Force has a wide-ranging remit including defending the Irish State from armed aggression, aiding civilian forces like the Garda Síochána, playing a role in multinational peacekeeping efforts under UN command, defending territorial waters from aggressive forces and ensuring the country’s fisheries are kept safe.
The rapid procurement of a drone fleet would enhance the Irish Defence Force’s ability to manage all of these functions on a day-to-day basis.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
More Russian UAS go astray while attacking Ukraine
This time, the UAS flew into NATO airspace, though there is no evidence that they did so deliberately.
-
UAVs in multiple classes proliferate in South Korea
South Korea is rapidly advancing its UAV programmes and counter-drone capabilities in response to increasing threats from North Korea’s unmanned aerial systems.
-
British Army looks to ‘kamikaze drones’ for future operations
Inspired by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the British Army has one eye on the future as it develops its ability to operate FPV UAS.
-
Belarus fighter jet shoots down Russian drone
The confrontation followed a history of untroubled fly-throughs by similar drones en route to Ukraine.
-
Exail Robotics secures €60 million NATO contract for underwater mine disposal vehicles
The contract covers disposal and training vehicles for the Belgian and Dutch navies.
-
Thunderstrike establishes major drone facility at Danish airport
The hangar will be used to eventually produce 200-300 drones per year.