Irish military helicopter crews have been practicing shooting down drones in EU presidency training
AI Analysis
The Irish Air Corps is actively training to counter drone threats using AW139 helicopters equipped with general-purpose machine guns, in preparation for Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency. Training took place at the Gormanstown range and included engaging multiple remotely controlled aircraft. This initiative mirrors counter-drone tactics employed by other nations, including Ukraine.
Key Takeaways
- Irish Air Corps AW139 helicopters (No. 3 Operations Wing, Baldonnel) are conducting live-fire counter-drone training.
- Training utilizes general-purpose machine guns mounted on helicopters.
- The training is directly linked to preparations for Ireland’s EU Presidency, indicating a perceived threat during this period.
- The approach – employing helicopters for kinetic counter-UAS – is similar to strategies used in Ukraine.
- Rules of engagement regarding drone takedowns remain undefined, according to sources.
Why It Matters
This demonstrates a growing awareness of the drone threat and a proactive effort by Ireland to develop a kinetic counter-UAS capability. The timing, linked to the EU Presidency, suggests concerns about potential disruption or security incidents involving drones during this high-profile event. This also signals a potential shift towards more assertive counter-drone measures by Ireland.
Irish military helicopter crews have been practicing shooting down drones in EU presidency training
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An AW 139 Irish Air Corps helicopter.
Counter Drone
Irish military helicopter crews have been practicing shooting down drones in EU presidency training
The AW 139 helicopters, are attached to the Number Three Operations Wing in Baldonnel, Co Dublin.
1.50pm, 10 Jun 2026
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Niall O'Connor
IRISH DEFENCE FORCES helicopters have been practising shooting down drones in recent weeks as part of their preparation for next month’s EU Presidency.
The AW 139 helicopters, are attached to the Number Three Operations Wing in Baldonnel, Co Dublin.
They have been using general purpose machine guns attached to the aircraft and using the range at Gormanstown in County Meath. This location is regularly used for aerial shooting practice.
In a post on social media, published after a statement was requested by The Journal, the Defence Forces confirmed it undertook the training.
“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,” it said.
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… pic.twitter.com/iYprji74WB
— Óglaigh na hÉireann (@defenceforces) June 10, 2026
The helicopter solution is similar to other operations in countries that have confronted drone threats previously, including Ukraine.
Sources have been keen to stress that it is not known what the rules of engagement are if