Ireland Military Power Ranking 2025
MPR Rank: 138th
MPR SCORE: 221
MPR Index: 0.0551 (1.0000 is perfect)
Reverse MPR Index: 0.8955 (0.0000 is perfect)
Z Score: -0.604 (standard deviations above the mean)
Overview
Ireland ranks 138th in the 2025 Military Power Rankings. Its armed forces, known as the Defence Forces of Ireland (Óglaigh na hÉireann), are structured primarily for neutrality-based defense, peacekeeping, and civil support. True to its policy of military non-alignment, Ireland abstains from offensive warfare capabilities and avoids joining military alliances like NATO, focusing instead on sovereignty protection and multilateral cooperation under the United Nations framework.
The military is modest in size and lightly armed, with roles centered around infrastructure protection, territorial surveillance, airspace control, and support to civil authorities. Ireland relies on diplomatic security frameworks and international defense cooperation for strategic deterrence, especially in areas such as air policing and maritime security.
Military Strengths
Overview
Ireland’s military strengths derive from its disciplined professional force, civil-military integration, and global peacekeeping reputation, rather than traditional power projection.
1. Robust Peacekeeping Capabilities
Ireland is a long-time contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, with consistent deployments to Lebanon (UNIFIL), Mali, and other crisis zones.
Irish troops are well-regarded for discipline, neutrality, and humanitarian effectiveness.
2. Domestic Civil Support & National Emergencies
The Defence Forces regularly assist in disaster relief, flood response, critical infrastructure protection, and medical emergencies.
Strong integration with agencies like the Gardaí (police) ensures swift national response capacity.
3. Highly Professional Volunteer Force
Ireland operates a small, all-volunteer military, with a clear emphasis on training, ethics, and community engagement.
The military maintains a dual civilian-military reserve model, including the Army Reserve and Naval Service Reserve.
4. Air and Maritime Surveillance Capabilities
Ireland uses long-range maritime patrol aircraft and radar assets for monitoring its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Naval Service provides routine coastal patrols and supports anti-smuggling, fisheries enforcement, and search-and-rescue operations.
Why Ireland Is Still Ranked 138th
No Combat Air Force or Jet Fleet
Ireland lacks fighter jets, combat aircraft, or aerial combat infrastructure. Air defense is reliant on diplomatic partnerships, including RAF coverage.Minimal Strategic or Expeditionary Force Projection
Ireland does not field a strategic lift capability, long-range deployment force, or rapid reaction brigade suitable for combat theaters.No Submarine or Deep-Water Navy
The Naval Service is coastal in focus, composed of small patrol vessels without submarine, frigate, or anti-submarine warfare capacity.Low Defense Budget and Limited Equipment Modernization
Defense spending remains among the lowest in the EU relative to GDP. Major modernization programs have been slow or incomplete due to political hesitancy.
Conclusion
Ireland’s military is deliberately minimalist, shaped by its neutrality, constitutional restrictions, and civilian-focused defense policy. While it lacks traditional military strength in terms of airpower, firepower, or strategic reach, Ireland has built a niche role as a reliable peacekeeper, domestic security partner, and defender of humanitarian values. Its MPR ranking reflects its non-offensive doctrine, modest military infrastructure, and reliance on diplomatic security guarantees for external defense.
Military Strength and Force Projection
Active Military Personnel: 8,600
Reserve Personnel: 2,100
Paramilitary Forces: 3,000 (police tactical units and civil defense)
Army Personnel: 6,600
Navy Personnel: 1,000
Air Force Personnel: 1,000
Ground Forces
Main Battle Tanks (MBTs): 0
Armored Fighting Vehicles (AFVs): 300+ (MOWAG Piranha, RG-32)
Artillery Pieces (Towed & Self-Propelled): 40+
Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 0
Air Force
Combat Aircraft: 0
Attack Helicopters: 0
Transport Aircraft: 8+
Training Aircraft: 4+
Aircraft Breakdown:
CASA CN-235 and C-295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft: Operational
PC-9M Pilatus (Trainer/Light Surveillance): 8
AW139 and EC135 Helicopters: Used for transport and search & rescue
Naval Forces
Warships: 8
Submarines: 0
Frigates/Corvettes: 0
Patrol Boats and Offshore Vessels: 8
Naval Vessel Breakdown:
Samuel Beckett-class Offshore Patrol Vessels: 4
Róisín-class OPVs: 2
Coastal surveillance and fisheries protection missions
Missile Capabilities
Ireland does not possess missile systems. It does not operate ballistic, cruise, or even tactical missiles. Air and coastal defense rely entirely on radar surveillance, patrol assets, and police coordination, with no current standing air defense network.
Strategic Partnerships
Ireland is a member of the EU but remains militarily non-aligned. It cooperates with the United Nations and participates in peacekeeping missions in Africa, the Balkans, and the Middle East. Defense agreements exist with the UK and EU for intelligence sharing, search and rescue, and cyber defense cooperation. Ireland does not participate in NATO military operations.
Military History & Combat Experience
Ireland’s military history since independence has been dominated by peacekeeping, internal stabilization, and non-combat international deployments, with no record of conventional warfare since the 20th century.
Irish Civil War (1922–1923):
Following independence from Britain, the Irish Free State Army fought anti-treaty forces in a bitter internal conflict. The war featured urban combat, ambushes, and the consolidation of central authority. This period formed the nucleus of the modern Irish Defence Forces.UN Peacekeeping in the Congo (1960–1964):
Ireland’s first major international deployment under Operation ONUC involved large troop commitments to the Congo Crisis, including intense combat during the Niemba Ambush and Katanga conflict. Irish forces earned recognition for professionalism under fire despite high casualties.The Troubles (1969–1998):
While the military did not directly intervene in Northern Ireland, it was placed on high alert and conducted border security, logistics support, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) in collaboration with Irish police to manage internal spillover risks.UNIFIL – Lebanon (1978–Present):
Ireland has maintained a continuous presence in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon, conducting patrols, community engagement, and force protection in high-risk zones near the Israeli border. Irish units faced attacks during the South Lebanon conflict, with several fatalities and acts of bravery.Other Peacekeeping Deployments (1990s–Present):
Irish troops have served in Somalia, Kosovo, Liberia, East Timor, Mali, and Bosnia, often taking on stabilization roles, medical support, and EOD operations. These missions emphasize civilian protection, non-alignment, and ethical standards in conflict zones.
Though Ireland has no modern experience in high-intensity warfare, its forces are battle-tested in peacekeeping environments, trained in asymmetric threat response, and deeply experienced in civil-military humanitarian operations under UN mandates.
General Information
Demographics and Geography
Population: ~5.2 million (2024 est.)
Population Available for Military Service: ~1.6 million
Geographic Area: 70,273 km²
Land Boundaries: 443 km
Bordering Countries: United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)
Coastline: 1,448 km
Climate: Temperate maritime; mild winters, cool summers
Terrain: Mostly flat plains with hills and mountains in west and south
Natural Resources: Natural gas, peat, zinc, lead, arable land
Proven Oil Reserves: ~100 million barrels (offshore, undeveloped)
Proven Natural Gas Reserves: ~500 billion cubic feet
Economic Indicators
Defense Budget (2025): ~$1.4 billion USD
Defense Budget as % of GDP: ~0.6%
GDP (PPP): ~$640 billion USD
GDP per Capita (PPP): ~$124,000
External Debt: ~$540 billion USD
Military Expenditure Trend (last 5 years): Gradual increase focused on modernization
Military Infrastructure and Readiness
Military Service Obligation: Voluntary
Primary Defense Focus: National sovereignty, UN peacekeeping, maritime defense
Military Industry Base: Limited; small arms, maintenance, cyber systems
Cyber/Electronic Warfare Capability: Advanced
Nuclear Warhead Inventory: None (non-nuclear state)
Major Military Districts / Commands: Irish Defence Forces structured under Army, Naval, and Air Corps commands
Missile Inventory Highlights: RBS-70, Javelin, light air defense
Reservist Call-up Readiness / Timeline: Moderate; 30–45 days
Reservist Force Size: ~20,000
Space, Intelligence, and Strategic Infrastructure
Space or Satellite Programs: Cooperative participation with ESA
Military Satellite Inventory: None
Intelligence Infrastructure: Defence Intelligence Section, G2 Branch
Intelligence Sharing Partnerships: EU, UK, U.S., NATO (non-member cooperation)
Airports (Total): ~40
Major Military Airports: Casement Aerodrome
Naval Power and Maritime Logistics
Merchant Marine Fleet: ~30 vessels
Major Ports: Dublin, Cork, Limerick
Naval Infrastructure: Coastal patrol vessels, OPVs
Naval Replenishment Capability: Moderate regional capability
Domestic Mobility and Infrastructure
Railway Network: ~1,700 km
Roadways: ~96,000 km
Energy and Fuel Logistics
Oil Production: Minimal
Energy Imports: Moderate; LNG and refined fuel
Strategic Petroleum Reserves: Maintains IEA-compliant reserves
Defense Production and Strategic Forces
Domestic Defense Production: Maintenance, cyber systems, drones
Military Installations (Domestic): Dublin, Cork, Limerick
Military Installations (Overseas): UN peacekeeping missions
Foreign Military Personnel Presence: None (neutral status)
Defense Alliances: EU, UN; not a NATO member
Strategic Airlift Capability: CASA CN235, rotary fleet
Wartime Industrial Surge Capacity: Low to moderate
Research and Industry Support
Defense R&D Investment: Focused on cyber defense and ISR
Key Wartime Industries Beyond Defense: Tech sector, port logistics, cyber infrastructure
Political and Administrative Structure
Capital: Dublin
Founding Date: December 6, 1922 (independence from UK)
System of Government: Unitary parliamentary republic
