Ireland Buys Israeli Anti-Drone Technology Despite Boycott Policy

Despite its policy of avoiding Israeli technology, Irish police have acquired advanced anti-drone systems developed and manufactured in Israel, according to a report published Sunday by Irish news outlet The Journal. The equipment, produced by Israeli defense technology company Sentrycs, was purchased earlier this year through an American supplier, despite authorities being aware of its Israeli origins.

The systems have been installed on rooftops to prevent unauthorized drones from entering restricted airspace above major events, as part of Ireland's security preparations for its upcoming presidency of the European Union. In July, the equipment was photographed in operation during events at University College Cork.

The systems are operated by the Irish police's Special Tactics and Operations Command (STOC), which oversees the regional Armed Support Units (ASU) and the national Emergency Response Unit (ERU). Officers from the armed support units received specialized training in operating the technology, and photographs showing personnel alongside the equipment were published on official police social media accounts. Additional counter-drone technologies, including portable devices, have also been deployed.

Purchase Contradicts Ireland's Policy on Israeli Technology

The acquisition appears to contradict a policy announced in August 2024 by Micheál Martin, who was serving as Ireland's defense and foreign affairs minister at the time. Martin stated that Ireland would refrain from purchasing equipment containing Israeli components, a position adopted in response to Israel's military operations in Gaza and amid a broader consumer boycott.

In August, The Journal also reported that Ireland had declined to purchase Israeli-made sensors for its new government aircraft, a Dassault Falcon 6X costing €53 million. According to the report, the decision left the aircraft grounded.

The latest report noted that police forces in France, Portugal, Latvia, and Northern Ireland have also invested in counter-drone capabilities, although the Irish police have acquired a particularly extensive range of equipment. A senior source speaking to The Journal described the Israeli technology as "the best money can buy," explaining that finding comparable advanced security systems without Israeli involvement presents a significant challenge.

The purchase highlights the difficulties of implementing restrictions on Israeli technology in sectors where Israeli companies remain prominent suppliers of specialized security equipment.