Ireland Police Buy Israeli-Made Anti-Drone Systems: Ireland’s national police force has purchased advanced anti-drone equipment made by an Israeli company to protect important events during the country’s European Union (EU) presidency. The purchase has raised questions because the Irish government had earlier announced that it wouldn’t buy military or defence equipment from Israeli companies.
According to an investigation by Irish news website TheJournal.ie, the equipment was made by Sentrycs, a company founded in Tel Aviv. Although the systems were purchased through a US-based supplier, they were designed and manufactured in Israel. The equipment was installed on rooftops near important event locations to stop unauthorised drones from entering protected airspace.
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Why Did Ireland Buy the Anti-Drone Equipment?
The systems are being used by An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police force. Specially trained officers operate the equipment as part of security arrangements for events during Ireland’s six-month EU Council presidency, which began in July 2026.
The police have increased their drone security arrangements over the past 18 months. They have also received a government budget of €125 million for policing and security during the presidency. According to sources familiar with the purchase, the Israeli-made systems are among the most advanced available. One source described them as “the best that can be bought”.
Government’s Earlier Decision Against Israeli Defence Products
The purchase has drawn attention because Ireland announced restrictions on defence purchases from Israeli companies in August 2024. The decision followed a July 2024 advisory opinion by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding Israel’s actions and policies in the Palestinian territories.
At the time, then Tánaiste Micheál Martin instructed defence officials and military leaders not to enter into new defence purchases from Israel. He said such purchases could support the occupation. However, it’s still unclear whether this policy also covers equipment bought by the national police for domestic security purposes.
Israeli Technology and Police Response
Sentrycs was bought by US-based Ondas in November 2025. Its CEO, Tal Cohen, previously worked in a senior product and research role in the Israeli Air Force between 2016 and 2020.
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Israeli technology has also been used in other Irish security equipment. Four helicopters being built for the Irish Air Corps include the Helionix flight system, developed by Airbus and Israel’s Elbit Systems.
When asked about the latest purchase, An Garda Síochána said: “An Garda Síochána is Ireland’s National Policing and Security Service and does not comment on matters of national security, including any matters pertaining to procurement of technology or costs associated with matters of national security.”
Sentrycs also didn’t respond to requests for comments. The government hasn’t publicly explained whether the police purchase falls under its earlier restrictions on Israeli defence products.
