Ireland boosts military amid maritime threats

Ireland has significantly expanded its naval capabilities in response to escalating security threats. The government allocated €1.7 billion to defense capital expenditure from 2026 to 2030, representing a 55% increase over the previous period. It also launched the country's first-ever national maritime strategy, aimed at protecting territorial waters and critical infrastructure—particularly undersea cables and international gas pipelines—due to their strategic importance, as 75% of internet cables pass through Ireland's exclusive economic zone. Amid repeated sightings of Russian ships around Irish waters and the increasing transit of the so-called "Invisible Russian Fleet," concerns are growing over potential attacks on digital infrastructure and energy supply. However, Ireland remains one of the lowest defense spenders, allocating only 0.2% of its GDP, and faces challenges stemming from its military neutrality and public opinion policies favoring no direct military engagement. As Ireland assumes the presidency of the European Union, it has prioritized the protection of maritime infrastructure, warning that insufficient defensive capabilities could make it the "weakest link" in Europe's security framework—especially amid rising electronic and naval threats.

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