Irish Police Buy Israeli Anti-Drone Systems Despite Official Boycott
Irish police purchased advanced Israeli counter-drone systems despite official government declarations halting defense trade, exposing a gap between political rhetoric and security reliance.
Despite official government pledges to halt defense purchases from Israel, Irish police have acquired advanced Israeli counter-drone systems to secure European Union presidency events, according to a report published on Saturday by the Irish outlet The Journal.
An Garda Síochána, the Irish police, purchased advanced drone-jamming systems manufactured by Sentrycs, an Israeli company with offices in Tel Aviv and New York. The systems were deployed on rooftops to protect high-profile diplomatic events during Ireland's rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. Operated by specialized police units, the technology is designed to prevent unauthorized drone incursions over secured airspace. The equipment was procured through an American intermediary, masking its Israeli origin.
In August 2024, Micheál Martin, who then served as Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, declared that the country would not purchase military or defense equipment from Israel. The announcement came amid the ongoing war in Gaza and mounting public pressure. However, a security source familiar with the procurement told the media that the Israeli systems are "the best available on the market," adding that acquiring comparable advanced defense technology without Israeli involvement remains exceptionally difficult.
Sentrycs, which was acquired in 2025 by the American corporation Ondas, specializes in drone detection and mitigation. Its CEO, Tal Cohen, previously served in a senior research and product development role within the Israeli Air Force. The investigation also revealed that new Airbus helicopters ordered for the Irish Air Corps incorporate systems developed in cooperation with Israel's Elbit Systems.
An Garda Síochána declined to disclose the financial terms or circumstances of the acquisition, citing national security protocols. Sentrycs did not respond to media requests for comment. The disclosure underscores the gap between Dublin's declared political stance and the operational reliance of its security forces on advanced Israeli defense technology.
