Óglaigh na hÉireann

The official Twitter page of the Irish Defence Forces 🇮🇪

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

A Passing Exercise (PASSEX) is when naval vessels from different countries meet at sea and conduct drills together to improve interoperability and provide insight into differing procedures, equipment and techniques of the other navy.

The Naval Service conducts PASSEXs routinely with other navies vessels, often associated with that vessel's port visit to Ireland. PASSEXs take place in international waters, outside of Ireland's territorial waters.

During these PASSEXs, the vessels will conduct drills such as ship manoeuvring and formations, communication via radio or signalling and occasionally will exchange personnel between the ships to observer procedures or equipment. Whilst primarily a Naval activity, PASSEXs can also provide personnel from the Air Corps with experience in flight operations at sea, such as the launching and recovery of helicopters from a naval vessel.

Over the last year, the Naval Service has conducted PASSEXs with many European Navy's, such as German, Dutch, Spanish and French Navies, helping to strengthen interoperability with other EU member states and providing invaluable interoperability experience.

Most recently, the Naval Service conducted a PASSEX with HMS Mersey, from the United Kingdom, strengthening ties between both Navies, given our largely connected maritime domains.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

📢 DRONE OPERATORS – KNOW THE RESTRICTIONS📢

The Irish Defence Forces remind all Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)/Drone operators that restricted and controlled airspace remains in place around Casement Aerodrome and surrounding areas. Other areas in black, while not the responsibility of the Defence Forces, may also carry restrictions and must be confirmed by UAS/Drone operators prior to launching.

⚠️ BEFORE YOU FLY — CHECK THE RESTRICTIONS--- ⚠️

U23 (Red Zone)
- No UAS/Drone operations are permitted within a 1 Nautical Mile (NM) radius of Casement Aerodrome.

U7 (Red Zone)
- No open category UAS/Drone operations are permitted within a 5km radius of Casement Aerodrome.
- Specific Category UAS/Drone may be permitted with prior permission from the Defence Forces.

U100 (Red Zone)
- No open category UAS/Drone operations are permitted in military airspace, within a 3km radius of Weston Airport.
- Specific Category UAS/Drone may be permitted with prior permission from the Defence Forces and Weston Airport.

U15 (Yellow Zone)
- UAS/Drones may operate up to an altitude of 8 metres above ground level (AGL) without permission, excluding the areas within U7, U23 and U100.
- Specific Category UAS/Drone may be permitted above 8m AGL with prior permission from the Defence Forces.

U98 (Yellow Zone)
* UAS/Drones may operate up to an altitude of 60 metres above ground level (AGL) without permission.
* Specific Category UAS/Drone may be permitted above 60m AGL with prior permission from the Defence Forces.

❗Unauthorised drone activity may present a risk to military and civilian aviation operations.

All drone operators are reminded to:
✔️ Check UAS geozones before operating
✔️ Adhere to all aviation regulations
✔️ Obtain required permissions before flying

The Defence Forces continue to encourage the safe and responsible operation of UAS platforms in accordance with Irish Aviation regulations.

For more information on UAS geozones (UGZs), how to apply to fly in controlled airspace and drone regulations visit: https://t.co/OKJVvUC16O

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Today at the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Dublin, six members of the Defence Forces were awarded the Bronze Medal of the Polish Army in recognition of their outstanding contribution to multinational cooperation and their service with the 125th Irish Polish Battalion in UNIFIL.

The medals were presented in acknowledgement of the recipients’ dedication to strengthening cooperation between Irish and Polish personnel serving together in Lebanon.

The Defence Forces values the strong and enduring partnership between Ireland and Poland, both at home and overseas, and congratulates all recipients on this well deserved recognition.

The recipients were as follows:
Lieutenant Colonel Shane Rockett
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Campbell
Commandant William Bastic
Commandant John Griffin
Captain Tony Smith
Sergeant Major Patrick Enfield

#ÓglaighnahÉireann #UNIFIL #IrishPolBatt #Poland

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, personnel from No. 3 Operations Wing recently undertook a demanding training exercise to maintain and enhance key operational capabilities.

The exercise included counter drone engagements, with Air Corps helicopter crews successfully engaging multiple remotely controlled aircraft, as well as armed maritime interception training against fast moving vessels at sea.

Training such as this ensures Air Corps crews remain ready to respond to evolving security challenges and provide critical aviation capabilities in support of national security and Ireland’s EU Presidency commitments.

#ÓglaighnahÉireann

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Recently at Defence Forces Headquarters in McKee Barracks, Dublin, the Office of Reserve Affairs hosted “Beyond the workplace: Reserve Defence Forces employer engagement”.

The event brought together employers, employer organisations and Defence Forces personnel to highlight the value that reservists and reserve service bring to the civilian workplace. The programme opened with an address from the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, followed by a security and defence perspective from analyst Declan Power. Lieutenant Laura Curran provided an overview of service in the Reserve Defence Forces, and Ciaran Foley, CEO of Rexel UK and Ireland, shared an employer perspective on the benefits of supporting employees who serve as reservists.

The discussion focused on how reserve service develops leadership, resilience, teamwork and decision making skills that directly benefit employers, while also strengthening national defence capability. Events such as this play an important role in building awareness of the Reserve Defence Forces and strengthening partnerships with employers across Ireland.

#ReserveDefenceForces #PartTimeFullOn #EmployerEngagement #Leadership #Skills #DefenceForces

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

As preparations continue for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, the Defence Forces Ordnance Corps recently conducted Exercise Beag, a complex multi-agency Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (CBRN EOD) exercise.

As the providers of the State’s strategic CBRN EOD capability, Ordnance Corps personnel trained alongside An Garda Síochána and Dublin Airport Police in a challenging operational scenario involving a fictional terrorist cell, an intelligence-led raid on a clandestine laboratory, and response to a complex chemical attack.

The exercise tested specialist CBRN and EOD procedures, command and control arrangements, and inter-agency coordination in a realistic operational environment. It also validated critical national capabilities and strengthened interoperability between the Defence Forces and State security agencies.

As Ireland prepares to host a significant programme of high-level international engagements during its EU Presidency, exercises such as Exercise Beag play an important role in ensuring specialist personnel remain prepared to respond to complex security and public safety incidents.

Enhancing readiness through partnership, professionalism, and preparedness 🤝

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

UNIFIL UPDATE: All Irish personnel are well and accounted for. Personnel of the 128th Infantry Battalion continue to employ force protection measures enabling them to observe and monitor the ongoing conflict in line with UNSCR 1701. Óglaigh na hÉireann remains resolute in its commitment to UNIFIL.

The Defence Forces wishes to extend its sympathies to the family and friends of the peacekeeper who lost his life and our thoughts are with his colleagues who are recovering at this time.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

For decades, Irish Peacekeepers have served with courage, professionalism, and compassion in some of the world’s most challenging environments. On International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, we honour the service and sacrifice of all those who have worn the blue beret in pursuit of peace on behalf of Ireland and the United Nations.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

On Tuesday, the 127th Infantry Battalion arrived home to @dublinairport and were met by family and friends after a 6 month deployment in UNIFIL.

Welcome home to all!

#ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState #IrishDefenceForces

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

On Tuesday, 26 MAY 26, the final chalk of the 127th Infantry Battalion arrived home following a challenging and demanding deployment with UNIFIL in South Lebanon.

#ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Today, the 25th of May, is Memorial Day in the United States of America. On this day, they remember US Servicemen and Woman who have died in service.

As part of the day, a plaque commemorating Irish born Corporal Patrick "Bob" Gallagher will be unveiled at the Mt Soledad National Veterans Memorial. The ceremony will be attended by Cpl Gallagher's comrades as well as his family, who have travelled from Ireland for the unveiling.

Cpl Gallagher, a native of of Ballyhaunis, County Mayo emigrated to Long Island, New York before enlisting in the Marine Corps. In 1966, Cpl Gallagher was awarded the Navy Cross after using his own body to shield his fellow Marines from a grenade. Cpl Gallagher survived this heroic act, but was tragically killed in action days before his tour of duty was set to end.

Cpl Gallagher's legacy and bravery has been immortalised through the naming of an Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer, the USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG-127), which has just began its sea trials and soon active service in the US Navy.

@MtSoledad1

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Recently, personnel from the Corps of Engineers conducted Engineer Specialist Search and Clearance (ESSC) training exercises, enhancing specialist search and clearance capabilities across a range of demanding operational environments.

Training activities included rope access operations in elevated structures, confined space search procedures, and the integration of advanced technologies including Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) systems. These exercises ensure ESSC personnel remain trained, agile, and prepared to operate effectively in complex and dynamic environments.

As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026, ESSC capability will form an important element of the wider national security framework supporting high-profile Government and international engagements. The continued development of these specialist capabilities reinforces the Defence Forces’ readiness to support An Garda Síochána security operations and contribute to a safe and professionally delivered Presidency.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Chalk 1 of the 127th Infantry Battalion has returned home, in the coming weeks, the mission of the 127th Infantry Battalion with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) draws to a close following a challenging and demanding deployment in South Lebanon.

Throughout their deployment, the personnel of the 127th Infantry Battalion operated in an increasingly complex and volatile environment, carrying out their duties with professionalism, resilience and dedication. Despite the many challenges faced during the mission, the Battalion continued to uphold the highest standards of service while representing Ireland and Óglaigh na hÉireann with distinction on the international stage.

The men and women of the 127th Infantry Battalion demonstrated exceptional commitment in the service of peace and stability, reflecting great credit on themselves, their families and the Defence Forces.

#ÓglaighnahÉireann #UNIFIL #DefendOurState

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Today at Casement Aerodrome, the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD, accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, presented commissions to the 43rd Wings Course Class and the 1st Air Traffic Cadet Class.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

On Thursday, 15 MAY 26, the first chalk of the 127th Infantry Battalion arrived home following a challenging and demanding deployment with UNIFIL in South Lebanon.

Throughout their deployment, personnel of the 127th Infantry Battalion operated in a complex and volatile environment, displaying professionalism, resilience and courage while representing Ireland and Óglaigh na hÉireann with distinction.

#ÓglaighnahÉireann #DefendOurState

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

The Irish Defence Forces is a place for everyone. Different backgrounds and experiences strengthen our operational capability. We celebrate difference. We serve together and stand stronger together.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

A C295 mission to Kosovo recently saw Defence Forces personnel and mission sustainment supplies delivered to our contingent serving with KFOR, as Ireland continues its long-standing commitment to the NATO-led peace support mission.

Supporting those who serve Ireland overseas remains a priority for the Defence Forces.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Today, the Defence Forces Cavalry Corps Team (Callsign Shamrock 1) took home first place in the Bradley category in the 2026 Sullivan Cup. The Defence Forces Cavalry Corps team competed in the 2026 Sullivan Cup, hosted in Fort Benning, GA, USA. The purpose of the Sullivan Cup is to identify and recognise the most skilled armoured vehicle crews internationally. The competition consisted of gunnery live fire lanes by day and night, vehicle maintenance, crew knowledge, call for fire, AFV recognition, medical lanes and physical fitness challenges.
Our team had a two week window to train up in theatre on the Bradley Fighting Vehicle having never used the platform before. After completing two weeks of training successfully, the competition started on 30 APR 26 and the Cavalry Corps emerged as the winners.

[Óglaigh na hÉireann @defenceforces]

Last week, The Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Colm O'Luasa, reviewed the 128th Infantry Battalion at Sarsfield Barracks in Limerick.

The 128th Infantry Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Damian Carroll, will deploy to UNIFIL throughout May for their 6 month tour of duty.