Lt Commander Martin Tarrant and Petty Officer Cillian Iver of the Irish Naval Service on board the patrol vessel Fionnghuala at Valentia Island in Co Kerry. Photograph: Valerie O'SullivanIreland is to deepen naval co-operation with France and Britain, including allowing their vessels to patrol Irish-controlled waters and offer protection during the EU presidency. One goal will be to forge links with the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), a UK-led alliance focused on maritime security. This will include appointing liaison officers to maritime security agencies in those countries. While it is not mentioned in the strategy, security sources said this increased co-operation will facilitate the stationing of French and UK vessels in Irish economic waters to assist with maritime security.

Source: The Irish Times February 25, 2026 08:30 UTC