Interesting articles

Larbre34

From today's Irish Times

The Government has started the process of creating a dedicated military cyber command which will eventually grow to 300 personnel and be capable of both defensive and offensive cyber operations.

Under the plans, which form part of a large increase in military investment and capability, the Defence Forces will establish a Joint Cyber Defence Command which will be led by a general. It will take over cyber operations from the existing Communications and Information Services (CIS) Corps.

The article goes on to say that ultimately the Joint Cyber Defence Command will be a DF pillar on an equal footing with the Land forces, Navy and Air Force. This is to mirror the NATO 5-Domain doctrine.

Current GOC 1 Brigade, Brigadier General Brian Cleary, will be the CO of the Command.

PS

In a very catchy April Fool, the UK Defence Journal announced the procurement of a third Queen Elizabeth-Class Aircraft Carrier, to be christened HMS Prince Andrew. 💀

roadmaster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123318546#Comment_123318546

Plenty of office blocks & Commercial units around the country that could be the new base for that command.

Larbre34

I'm not sure. I think an operation like that will ultimately need a completely air-gapped and energy self-sufficient location, built to a much higher specification with electromagnetic resistance measures and what not. Like a miniature GCHQ.

Perhaps it can be co-located with the new Army HQ, but then again, perhaps security considerations will prevent that.

I would like to see it built outside of Dublin though, share the wealth of investment a bit with the other cities. Galway perhaps.

sparky42

Some news, with Ireland to formally join the European Common Information Sharing Environment, along with more lines from Harris ordering radar and sonar procurement to be accelerated (is that going to be his new line for the year without actually buying anything?)

https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025/04/14/ireland-joins-naval-intelligence-network-in-response-to-russian-threats/

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0414/1507478-ireland-maritime-alliance/

roadmaster

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123355981#Comment_123355981

Are we not already involved with a very similar operation with the Fisheries Monitoring Centre in the naval base and the EU co ordination center in lisbon with the drug task force?

Larbre34

We are, but this step allows us to engage on the full range of maritime security taskings, from naval incursions and sabotage risks, thru organised crime and drug trafficking, as well as the commercial and ecological protection of Irish and EU fisheries.

Notmything

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0415/1507849-device-wicklow/

Someone thinks they got themselves a handy souvenir

Larbre34

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2025/04/17/eurotank-firms-form-joint-venture-before-talks-with-germany-france/

Interesting piece indicative of the scale and pace of the consolidation and expansion of the European defence industry.