IRIA News

4 minute read

Ireland’s Naval Services commissioned two newly acquired Inshore Patrol Vessels (IPVs), L.É. Aoibhinn and L.É. Gobnait. These vessels, acquired from the New Zealand Government, are set to replace the decommissioned L.É. Orla and L.É. Ciara marked a major milestone in the modernization of Ireland’s naval fleet.

The commissioning ceremony was presided over by Micheal Martin, Ireland’s Minister for Defense and Deputy Prime Minister, Martin praised the new additions, stating, “The purchase and refitting of these vessels for Irish requirements was meticulously overseen by the Naval Service and the Department of Defense. Both L.É. Aoibhinn and L.É. Gobnait represents a step forward in ensuring that our maritime forces are equipped to handle the complex and evolving security challenges of today.”

The newly commissioned vessels are built to handle a wide range of maritime tasks, with features that significantly enhance their operational efficiency and versatility. The L.É. Aoibhinn and L.É. Gobnait are each manned by a crew of 26 personnel, a reduction from older ships, reflecting the automation and advanced control systems now in place. They are equipped with state-of-the-art electronic warfare and intelligence-gathering systems, allowing for improved surveillance and situational awareness in Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

These IPVs also come with Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), used for boarding operations, search-and-rescue missions, and surveillance, making the ships highly versatile in their operational roles. With a top speed of 25 knots, the vessels are agile enough for rapid response operations, ensuring they can quickly adapt to a range of situations, from fisheries protection to search and rescue.

One key aspect of these new ships is their ability to integrate into Ireland’s broader defense strategy. The advanced navigation and surveillance systems provide these ships with capabilities that align with Ireland’s increasing need to protect its maritime interests, particularly in light of growing geopolitical tensions and the expanding role of maritime security in Europe.

Naval expansion

The Irish Naval Service, the maritime branch of the Defense Forces, plays a crucial role in maintaining the security of Ireland’s waters. The service oversees a vast area of over 220 million square kilometers, which includes Ireland’s EEZ. Traditionally, the fleet has been composed mainly of Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) and Large Patrol Vessels (LPVs), which have been used for long-range patrols, maritime security operations, and fisheries protection.

Vessels such as the L.É. Róisín and L.É. Niamh has formed the backbone of Ireland’s patrol fleet, performing extended missions both in domestic waters and in international deployments. These ships have proven essential in missions ranging from humanitarian assistance in the Mediterranean to counter-narcotics operations.

The Irish Naval Service’s most recent class of OPVs, led by the L.É. Samuel Beckett, brings even greater capabilities with improved endurance and firepower, demonstrating the versatility and resilience required to meet modern-day challenges.

Additionally, one of the flagships of the fleet, the L.É. Eithne remains the last vessel in the service capable of helicopter operations. Although primarily used in humanitarian efforts, Eithne has seen action in several international missions, underlining the Irish Naval Service’s growing international profile.

The acquisition of L.É. Aoibhinn and L.É. Gobnait fits within a broader trend of fleet modernization that the Irish Naval Service has been undergoing in recent years. With older vessels being retired, these new IPVs ensure that the service remains ready to meet current and future maritime security needs. The Tánaiste emphasized that the vessels have been refitted specifically to meet Ireland’s operational requirements, ensuring they are equipped to safeguard national interests.

Ireland’s maritime defense is facing new challenges as global geopolitical tensions increase and the need to protect critical underwater infrastructure becomes more pressing. The Irish Naval Service’s efforts to upgrade its fleet are an essential part of this broader strategy, which includes countering the risks posed by illicit activities and ensuring the safety of Ireland’s waters.