Duncan Smith (Dublin Fingal East, Labour)
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33. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence to provide an update on the Government’s plans to purchase fighter jets; the cost associated with the planned purchase of these jets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60494/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.

Capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to the Defence under the National Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding represents an increase of €600 million (announced 23rd July in the National Development Plan) or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion. This significant increase reflects the Government’s commitment to continue to increase investment in our Defence Forces. The Department of Defence and the Defence Forces are actively reviewing all strategic equipment and infrastructural priorities to align with the revised 2026-2030 multi-annual capital allocations. The revised allocation will enable targeted progression on key elements of government commitments within Level of Ambition 2 (Enhanced Capability) objectives, as outlined in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces.

In that respect, the civil/military staffed Capability Development Unit, established in 2023 in response to a recommendation in the CoDF to implement a top down Capability Development Planning Process, is preparing a Capability Development Programme, that will identify at a high level, the Capability requirements for the Defence Forces in terms of equipment out to 2040. This ongoing piece of work, once complete, will inform the prioritisation of capabilities the Defence Forces will progress in moving towards the strategic level of ambition set out in the Defence Policy Review. This will be in line with the capital allocation under the National Development Plan.

The Commission on the Defence Forces recommended that under LOA 3 "As part of a national Air Defence Plan, the Air Corps would develop an air combat and intercept capability through the acquisition of a squadron of jet combat aircraft, allied to the development of associated operational, infrastructure and support arrangements.

The Programme for Government states that we will continue to increase investment in Defence, providing the funding and political support necessary to achieve Level of Ambition 2 Enhanced Capability, and move as quickly as possible to Level of Ambition 3 with commensurate investment as appropriate.

In terms of LOA 2 capabilities for the Air Corps, a number of projects are currently being progressed under the Air Corps Aircraft Renewal and Replacement Programmes. The Air Corps took delivery of a third Airbus C-295 aircraft (in Military Transport specification) in October 2025; and a contract was also awarded in 2024 for the provision of four Airbus H145M light-utility multi-role helicopters, which are in production for phased delivery in 2027 and 2028. In addition to these procurements, further rotary wing capability will be the subject of a future procurement process beginning in the near term.

Also related to LOA 2 for the Air Corps is the Military Radar Programme which was established in response to the recommendation for the establishment of a Recognised Air Picture for Ireland. This Programme, which is made up of Long Range Primary Radar, Ground Based Air Defence Systems and Maritime (ship-borne) Radar is of significant importance and has been prioritised. Work is ongoing and good progress is being made.