Ireland expected to join EU scheme to accelerate defence procurement
The Tánaiste is expected to announce plans that will enable Ireland to acquire defence systems more speedily when he signs up to an EU instrument called Security Action for Europe, or SAFE.
The move would, in part, streamline procurement policies across the bloc and enable Ireland to obtain sonar capacity and air defence systems more quickly.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine and US President Donald Trump's lukewarm attitude to Europe's defence has led the European Union to reviewing all aspects of its security policies.
The EU's SAFE instrument came into force at the end of last month and it seeks to provide financial assistance to member states to support urgent public investments in defence production and increase capacity.
SAFE also aims to ensure closer cooperation among member states when it comes to joint acquisitions via a derogation from existing procurement rules.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris intends to sign Ireland up to the scheme.
This would accelerate the country's ability to acquire defence capabilities such as force protection, artillery, cyber and air defence systems alongside sonar capacity.
The acquirement process can currently take up to two years to complete.
Mr Harris is expected to say he is determined to bring Ireland in line with other similar sized European countries when it comes to defence capabilities.
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