Ireland has signed up to a major EU defence initiative aimed at dramatically speeding up the procurement of military equipment, potentially cutting acquisition times by up to two years in some cases, Tánaiste Simon Harris announced today.
Harris, who also serves as Minister for Defence and Foreign Affairs and Trade, confirmed Ireland’s participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, an EU program designed to help member states address capability gaps and focus on defence priorities more efficiently.
The move comes amid growing frustration within Ireland’s defence sector over the traditionally slow pace of military procurement, with the Department of Defence believing SAFE could significantly accelerate equipment purchases that are crucial for modernizing the Irish Defence Forces.
SAFE operates through joint acquisitions among EU member states, covering critical areas including ammunition, artillery systems, infantry equipment, air defence systems, and drone technology. The initiative also encompasses cyber protections and critical infrastructure security.
“In practice, it will be much faster now for Ireland to acquire specific equipment in areas prioritised by the Defence Forces, in some cases up to two years quicker than under the current procurement rules,” according to government sources.
The program represents a more formal and effective version of the government-to-government bilateral engagements Ireland has previously used for defence procurement, offering standardized processes and greater efficiency.
A key component of SAFE is access to a €150 billion capital fund that member states can access through low-interest, long-term loans. This financial instrument is designed to support urgent public investments in defence industrial production and increase production capacity across the EU.
The regulation allows existing framework agreements or contracts held by member states to be modified to include other countries’ requirements, provided certain eligibility conditions are met, creating economies of scale and reducing costs.
Harris emphasized his “steadfast” commitment to bringing Ireland’s defence capabilities up to the standard of other similar-sized European nations. The government aims to progress through the Level of Ambition Two by 2028 and advance to Level of Ambition Three, criteria established by the Commission on the Defence Forces.
The Commission previously identified significant failings in Ireland’s military capabilities, making the modernization effort a priority for the current government.
“I am determined to provide for the development of a full spectrum of Defence Force Capabilities that will bring Ireland in line with other similar-sized European countries,” Harris stated.
SAFE forms part of the EU’s broader strategy, outlined in its recent White Paper on Defence, to supercharge the European defence industry as member states across the Union undertake rearmament programs. The initiative encourages countries like Ireland to prioritize purchases from fellow EU member states’ arms industries.
The regulation also includes provisions for associations with Ukraine’s defence industry, reflecting the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine while strengthening overall European defence readiness.
For Ireland’s Defence Forces, SAFE represents a potential game-changer in addressing long-standing equipment shortfalls and capability gaps. The ability to participate in joint procurement initiatives should allow Ireland to benefit from bulk purchasing power and established supply chains.
“Availing of the possibilities available under the SAFE Regulation will allow Ireland to realize this ambition more quickly and more efficiently,” Harris explained, emphasizing the government’s commitment to leveraging all available procurement opportunities.
The initiative comes at a time when European nations are rapidly modernizing their defence capabilities in response to changing security environments, with Ireland seeking to ensure its Defence Forces can operate effectively alongside EU and NATO partners despite the country’s neutrality status.
Harris confirmed that the Department of Defence will “leverage the common procurement opportunities offered under the SAFE Regulation as much as possible to progress delivery of Ireland’s defence capabilities needs as quickly as possible.”