Israeli arms manufacturers are set to compete in a new tender for supplying drones to the Irish Army, despite Ireland's historically critical stance on Israeli policies since the onset of the Gaza conflict and prior reservations about Israeli military equipment purchases, The Irish Times reported on Wednesday.
The Irish Army currently utilizes various Israeli-developed military technologies, including UAVs, ground radar, and communication systems. In March, Irish Defense Minister Micheal Martin voiced "reservations" regarding Israeli military equipment but emphasized that Ireland's actions align with international law.
The new tender seeks a supplier for 14 drones intended for "surveillance, reconnaissance, search and rescue, day and night operations," and other classified tasks. The estimated cost for the contract is around €600,000 ($666,828) annually.
Despite political tensions, military sources indicate that Israeli arms companies are well-positioned to win the contract due to Israel's advanced capabilities and strong reputation in the UAV sector. The tender is still in its early stages.
