The EU planning notice cited that the uncrewed aerial system (UAS) would be used for predominantly for reconnaissance purposes with a greater range and endurance than drones currently operated by the Irish Defence Forces.
The Irish Department of Defence (DoD) has taken the first step towards to acquire a tactical UAS platform – one with the potential for strike capabilities.
Posted on 13 March, the planning notice stated that the DoD was undertaking a “preliminary” engagement of the market, ahead of the planned procurement for the UAS platform. The new Irish government has previously stated plans to boost the size of its defence capabilities.
According to the notice, the DoD is expecting responses to the market analysis by the end of next month. The estimated date a contract could be awarded for the tactical UAS was disclosed as November 2025.
The notice stated that the tactical UAS would be primarily focused on intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions and have a minimum range between 100-250km and endurance up to 12h. That the drone should be a fixed-wing variant, propelled by a combustion or electric motor was also specified.
The notice further said that “no strike capability” was currently being considered, although the ability of any system to “seamlessly deliver a strike capability” could be stated in any industry response.
It also stated that the market research would relate to a platform not currently operated by the Irish Defence Forces.