Can Ireland defend world leaders while hosting major international summits during the EU Presidency? 

Concerns have been raised after unidentified drones were spotted over the Irish Sea during the visit of President Zelenskyy last week. 

EU Council President Antonio Costa has said he has “full confidence” in Ireland’s ability to keep European leaders safe. 

On The Pat Kenny Show, Irish Times Europe Correspondent Naomi O’Leary said whoever sent the drones was likely probing Ireland’s defence capabilities. 

“Part of the aim of hybrid attacks is to expose weaknesses and test out,” she explained. 

“It's an information gathering exercise to find out, would Irish authorities be able to deal with something like that? 

“And the answer has been, well, we weren't able to intercept the drones.”

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Leinster House Dublin. Picture by: Maxwell’s Photography / Pool Image.

The nature of warfare continuously evolves. During the Middle Ages, the use of the longbow handed the English a distinct advantage against the French during the Hundred Years War. 

A century ago, the invention of the tank by the Allies during the First World War left German troops quivering in fear. 

Now, the use of drones is changing how war is waged in the 21st century and the Defence Forces has said new equipment is vital. 

“The Government says they're going to fast track this drone system,” Ms O’Leary said. 

“Especially to try to protect the 50 European leaders who are expected to travel into Ireland next year.” 

An Irish navy ship arriving into Dublin. Picture by: Alamy.com

The Government has consistently ruled out joining NATO, with its mutual defence clause and commitment to high levels of defence spending. 

The Programme for Government promised reform of the Triple Lock, while promising to “preserve and protect Ireland’s policy of active military neutrality”.

However, greater defence co-operation with other European nations seems likely. 

“We've been part of certain projects for a long time - like naval patrols in the Mediterranean, for example,” Ms O’Leary said. 

“And now there'll be questions about, well, what else makes sense for Ireland to join? 

“I suppose what incidents like this kind of shine quite a brutal light on is that the conception of neutrality, that neutrality means not spending in defence, actually potentially compromises your ability to be neutral. 

“Because it means you have to turn to other people for help if you don't have your own ability to do the defences that you need to do.” 

Irish Defence Forces arm patch of a soldier in the Irish Army. Picture by: Andy Gibson / Alamy.com.

While Sweden and Finland have recently renounced their neutrality in favour of joining NATO, Ireland is far from the only neutral European nation. 

Austria and Switzerland are both neutral - but maintaining notably higher levels of defence spending. 

“If you look at Switzerland, for example, one of the oldest neutrality policies in the world goes back to the Napoleonic Wars,” Ms O’Leary said. 

“Every Swiss man has to do mandatory military training and has to keep a gun ready under his bed.

“It's a very different conception of neutrality than we have.”

So what can European leaders expect from Ireland’s EU Presidency? It seems likely the Government will ask a neighbour to help out. 

“During the Danish presidency, a French and a German ship were sent to Copenhagen,” Ms O’Leary said. 

“The German ship was an anti-aircraft ship and that was part of defence against drone attacks specifically in drone interference. 

“So, you know, we could ask for those things. 

“But, you know, if you are neutral, you're supposed to take on the responsibility to do those things yourself.”

In Budget 2026, the Government allocated a record €1.5 billion to the Department of Defence.

Main image: Taoiseach Micheal Martin welcomes European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to Government Buildings in Dublin. Picture by: Alamy.com.