Ireland's turning point in military and foreign policy

Russia's attack on Ukraine is also changing foreign and security policy in Ireland. There should be more paratroopers and combat divers – this also involves protecting data cables in the sea.

DThe Irish Army wants to expand and renew its special unit, the “Ranger Wing”. The reform of these forces, which the militarily neutral country announced at the beginning of the year, is the first concrete step in a turning point in security policy with which Ireland is reacting to the consequences of the Russian attack on Ukraine.

However, the beginnings of the new course predate this aggression. Further reforms will follow: The defense budget is expected to increase by 50 percent to 1.5 billion euros over the next five years. Green Party Environment Minister Eamon Ryan recently called for the Irish Navy to be equipped with additional ships and crews to counter Russian maritime patrols and protect the underwater data lines linking the island to America, Britain and Europe.