The Irish government has published the Department of Defence and Defence Forces Strategy Statement 2025–2028, outlining the direction of Ireland’s defence policy for the coming three years. The strategy, released on 24 September, emphasises the modernisation of capability and the development of new frameworks for national security. Notably, it identifies a greater role for Irish industry in supporting these objectives.
Engagement with Industry and SMEs
For the first time in a strategy statement, the Department of Defence has committed to building structured partnerships with Irish businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The document highlights the importance of engaging domestic suppliers in procurement, innovation, and capability development. This approach reflects wider European trends, with the European Defence Fund and other EU initiatives encouraging cross-border cooperation between defence authorities and industry. The Government has indicated that Ireland will align with these frameworks to ensure that Irish companies can participate in EU-level programmes and access funding opportunities.
Critical Entities Resilience
The strategy also confirms that a Critical Entities Resilience Strategy will be published by March 2026. This will define which sectors and operators are considered essential to Ireland’s national security. Industries expected to fall under this remit include energy, communications, water, pharmaceuticals, and transport. Inclusion on the critical entities list will bring with it regulatory and operational requirements, including strengthened risk management, contingency planning, and reporting obligations. The Department of Defence has signalled that this framework will be designed to align with the EU’s NIS2 Directive, which has already expanded cybersecurity obligations across Member States.
National Security Strategy
Another major development is the planned publication of Ireland’s first National Security Strategy by the end of 2025. This will provide an overarching framework for identifying and mitigating threats, ranging from cyberattacks and hybrid interference to energy security and supply chain vulnerabilities. For industry, the strategy will create a single reference point for engagement with Government on security issues. Businesses operating in sectors deemed strategic or high-risk are expected to play a greater role in resilience planning and in sharing information on potential threats.
Maritime and Subsea Infrastructure
The 2025–2028 strategy also sets a timeline for a National Maritime Security Strategy, to be completed before year-end. This will focus on the protection of Ireland’s extensive Exclusive Economic Zone and the resilience of subsea infrastructure, particularly transatlantic data cables. Ireland hosts a significant portion of Europe’s internet connectivity through cable landings, making their protection a matter of international concern. For companies in the telecommunications and technology sectors, the strategy signals a growing expectation of collaboration with the State on resilience measures.
Outlook for Business
The Defence Strategy Statement 2025–2028 underscores that national security is not solely a matter for the State, but also for the industries that underpin Ireland’s economy and critical infrastructure. With a capital investment of €1.7 billion planned between 2026 and 2030, and with new security frameworks set to be introduced over the next 18 months, Irish businesses can expect both new obligations and new opportunities in supporting the State’s evolving defence posture.
