Royal Navy becoming hybrid as 1st Autonomous Squadron is welcomed into its ranks
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Royal Navy unveils unmanned boat squadron in response to 'changing face of modern warfare'
itv.com/news/meridian/2026-1…
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🇵🇱THANK YOU, IRELAND🇮🇪
Oficer Irlandzkiej Obrony Cywilnej James McConnell opowiedział w wywiadzie dla RTÉ News, jak jego koledzy udzielali pomocy osobom rannym we wczorajszej strzelaninie w Krakowie.
rte.ie/news/world/2026/1107/…
Rúaidhrí O’Connor: Andy Farrell’s Fiji dilemma as injuries and tight schedule force selection hand independent.ie/sport/rugby/r…
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Simon Harris told party delegates that “everyone who can work should be expected to make a contribution”. “The dole is a safety net, not a way of life,” Mr Harris said this evening. “At a time of full employment it is simply not acceptable for any person to remain on the live register year after year after year,” he said.
independent.ie/irish-news/si…
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Sam Prendergast’s line kicking is the absolute best in the world, and Ireland are ludicrously good off set piece in the 22. If you concede a penalty near halfway against them, you can basically notch up 5 points for them. They don’t need to play well to rack up tries. Cheat code.
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In all seriousness, Ireland’s 2022 Test series win in NZ is one of the greatest achievements in all of rugby history
and everyone is, like, meh
For context, the Springboks have done that once, ever
The Lions have done that once, ever
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As Merz said, we are not at war with Russia, but neither are we at peace. You can include Iran and China in that club. And in reality upgrade that conflict to being at hybrid war.
Ireland should no longer have any illusions about how our ‘neutrality’ is treated.
RTE studios bomb threat. Other media organisations in Ireland and the UK have also been sent identical threats this morning.
independent.ie/irish-news/st…
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The absence of a national security strategy leaves the State at “high” risk of mounting an “incoherent” defence of its sovereignty and territory in the event of an attack, according to the Defence Forces. irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/…
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Helen McEntee has had enough of the bullshit from opposition TDs and Senators who put the lives of Irish soldiers at risk in the Middle East when they get up and make "false and inaccurate " statements in the Dáil and Seanad chambers about the triple lock.
Leinster appoint UBB head coach McNamara, takes the helm from Cullen.
rte.ie/sport/rugby/2026/1103…
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Eilis O’Hanlon: Sinn Féin doesn’t want our future decided at Westminster, except when it comes to going to war buff.ly/ZcmvYBy
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Proud of the men and women of Óglaigh na hÉireann preparing for this historic deployment. For almost five decades, Irish troops have served with courage, professionalism and distinction in Lebanon. We remember the 48 who never came home.
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Using the extensive experience the Army has gained from previous Peace Enforcement and Peace Keeping deployments, over the course of Óglaigh na hÉireann's history, Mission Readiness Exercises (MRE) are developed to ensure that Units preparing for overseas are exercised on the many eventualities that they may face in theatre. An MRE is conducted prior to any deployment on Peace Support Operations (PSO).
The lessons learnt from previous PSO deployments with the UN, NATO and the EU create the framework for the MREs for our Army personnel to be tested on. Previous Peace Enforcement missions such as EUFOR Chad/CAR, ISAF Afghanistan and MONUSCO (DRC) or Peace Keeping missions such as UNDOF (Syria) and the ongoing UNIFIL (Lebanon) form part of the basis of the MRE along with all other previous PSO deployments.
Last week, the 69th Infantry Group completed their Mission Readiness Exercise prior to their upcoming deployment to UNIFIL. 69th Inf Gp personnel were put through rigorous scenarios, live firing and drills culminating in a Final Training Exercise (FTX) to ensure they are prepared for the deployment ahead of them.
Peacekeeping is not a job for soldiers, but only soldiers can do it - Dag Hammarskjöld
#ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState #IrishDefenceForces
The final chapter in Irelands UNIFIL mission:
The 69th Infantry Group has been completing its Mission Readiness Exercise (MRE) in the Glen of Imaal, ahead of its deployment to Lebanon this November. For the 294 personnel preparing to deploy, this represents the final Irish troop rotation under UNIFIL's current operational mandate.
These exercises are far more than simply another training requirement. Simulated ambushes, hostile encounters, explosive incidents, casualty evacuations and live-fire scenarios are designed to replicate the challenges personnel may face overseas. The objective is to test soldiers and commanders under pressure, identify weaknesses and ensure that every member of the contingent understands their role when situations deteriorate.
For first-time deployers, this training is invaluable. It provides an opportunity to experience realistic operational scenarios alongside experienced personnel before facing the uncertainties of an overseas mission. The importance of developing confidence, teamwork and effective leadership cannot be overstated.
Another interesting aspect of recent Irish overseas deployments has been the integration of Army Ranger Wing (ARW) personnel alongside conventional soldiers, as highlighted in the first photo (noted by different uniform, body armour, helmet and designators). This practice provides specialist personnel with experience of sustained overseas operations and conventional military command structures, including valuable leadership experience, while bringing additional expertise to the wider contingent.
This deployment also marks a significant moment in Irish peacekeeping history.
In September 2023, the 68th Infantry Group deployed to the Golan Heights, becoming Ireland's final large-scale contingent under UNDOF before returning home in April 2024.
Now, the 69th Infantry Group faces a similarly historic responsibility in Lebanon.
After almost five decades of Irish service with UNIFIL, the mission's operational mandate is scheduled to conclude on 31 December 2026. The 69th Infantry Group will therefore not only fulfil its peacekeeping responsibilities but also contribute to the safe and orderly withdrawal of personnel and equipment throughout 2027.
But this does not necessarily mean the end of Ireland's involvement in Lebanon.
On 12 October, the EU formally established EUSM Lebanon, a new support mission intended to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces through training, advice and assistance. Ireland has expressed interest in contributing, although its future participation has yet to be decided.
Rather than the traditional peacekeeping role undertaken by Irish infantry units, future involvement could focus on developing the capabilities of Lebanon's own security forces.
Since 1978, generations of Irish soldiers have served in Lebanon, often in exceptionally difficult circumstances. Forty-eight Irish Defence Forces personnel have lost their lives in the pursuit of peace.
As this chapter approaches its conclusion, the importance of preparing those heading overseas remains as critical as ever.
A historic deployment for the 69th Infantry Group and another significant milestone in the proud peacekeeping tradition of Óglaigh na hÉireann.
🇮🇪🇺🇳🇱🇧
(images sourced from official DF Flikr account)
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BREAKING 🚨
Leinster to be cited for an alleged ass spanking against Connacht at the Dexcom Stadium in Galway tonight.
#CONvLEI
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A change of flag for Irish troops in Lebanon.
A good article by Jack Power in todays @IrishTimes on a proposed EU military support mission to Lebanon. Training and supporting Lebanese forces, and not as some have claimed, disarming Hizbullah, is the aim of the mission.
Would be very well welcomed
Government considering bid for portion of €21bn EU ‘defence’ loans
Previous attempt to draw on European Union facility for Defence Forces vetoed by Paschal Donohoe
irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/…
A GENERATIONAL LEAP IN DEFENCE FORCES COMMUNICATIONS 🇮🇪
Óglaigh na hÉireann is rolling out over 6,000 Thales Software Defined Radios (SDRs) across the Army, Naval Service and Air Corps. The €76m programme replaces ageing SINCGARS equipment and introduces secure voice, tactical data and modern networked communications.
SYNAPS-H | Handheld Tactical Radio
A multiband VHF/UHF SDR for dismounted commanders. Frequency rage of 30–512 MHz coverage, 5 W transmission power, integrated GPS and a weight of approximately 1.2 kg including battery. Beyond voice, it supports tactical data, position reporting and the transmission of imagery.
SYNAPS-V | Vehicle and Naval Radio
A dual-channel SDR featuring two independent radio channels with 50 W amplification per channel. It supports simultaneous voice and data communications across tactical networks, with mesh networking allowing information to be relayed between connected radios.
SQUADNET | Personal Soldier Radio
Weighing approximately 250 g, SquadNet provides individual soldiers with short-range communications, GPS position sharing and tactical networking. The radio has approximately 24-hour battery life and ranges of up to 6 km through network relaying under suitable conditions.
INVISIO | Communications and Hearing Protection
A separate investment of almost €20m introduces integrated tactical headsets and active hearing protection, enabling personnel to maintain clear communications in high-noise environments while retaining awareness of surrounding sounds.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER?
The real advancement isn’t simply radio range or transmission power. It’s the ability to share battlefield information rapidly and securely.
During Defence Forces trials, Cavalry units operating in Wicklow transmitted drone imagery through SYNAPS-H, allowing higher command in the DFTC to view the information within minutes.
Modern software-defined waveforms, including GEOMUX and ESSOR capabilities, also provide a foundation for future upgrades and improved interoperability with European military partners.
Modern military effectiveness depends on secure communications, shared situational awareness and the ability to coordinate forces across land, sea and air.
This investment represents one of the most significant technological advances in the Defence Forces in decades, and a major undertaking for the CIS Corps personnel responsible for implementing and sustaining these systems.
A long-awaited step towards a modern, digitally connected and operationally capable Óglaigh na hÉireann 🇮🇪 🤝 🇫🇷
(Technical specifications and capabilities referenced are drawn from publicly available manufacturer documentation and official publications.)