Irish authorities have initiated a comprehensive security investigation following the detection of multiple unidentified drones in Irish airspace coinciding with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s official visit to Dublin. The incident occurred on Monday night as President Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived for their one-day diplomatic engagement.
The Garda Síochána’s Special Detective Unit (SDU) has taken lead on the investigation, coordinating with Irish Defence Forces and international security partners. According to reports from Irish broadcaster RTÉ, naval personnel aboard the LÉ William Butler Yeats vessel observed several drones operating near Howth over the Irish Sea approximately simultaneous to the Ukrainian leader’s arrival at Dublin Airport.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin confirmed that senior government officials have been briefed on the security matter, which will be formally addressed at an upcoming National Security Council meeting later this month. While praising the overall security operation during President Zelensky’s visit as particularly successful, Martin acknowledged the emerging challenge of drone incursions across European Union member states.
Speaking at the British-Irish Council meeting in Cardiff, the Taoiseach noted that drone-related security concerns have become increasingly prevalent throughout Europe since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. ‘There’s been heightened activity on the cyber security front, in terms of maritime issues and in terms of drones,’ Martin stated, while declining to speculate about potential Russian involvement until the completion of a full security review.
The Irish Defence Forces maintained their standard protocol of not commenting on specific operational incidents, emphasizing their ongoing coordination with gardaí in addressing national security matters. The investigation represents Ireland’s latest response to evolving security challenges in the current geopolitical landscape.