Neutral but not immune: What does a transformed UK Defence strategy mean for Ireland?

Azure Forum Strategic Insight 012/2025

By Paddy McGuinness, former UK Deputy National Security Advisor

The UK’s Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June, alters the strategic context for Ireland. It concludes that “High Intensity Warfare in Europe is no longer a distant prospect. We must be ready for it to reach our homeland”. That shift in UK posture inevitably raises questions: how will Ireland respond to the changing threat landscape? What revised role will it play in ensuring security on the island of Ireland and in the surrounding seas, skies, and cyberspace including in so called “grey-zone” conflict and any transition to war? As Europe increasingly aligns with the UK’s assessment of risk, what contribution will Ireland make as an EU Member State? And as the UK Armed Forces work to adapt in light of Ukraine’s lessons, how will the Irish Defence Forces ensure they are equipped for the challenges of this new era?