An Air Corps C295 maritime patrol aircraft headed west from Dublin on Monday for a 'maritime security and defence operation'. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA WireThe Defence Forces has deployed an aircraft to monitor the passage of a fugitive oil tanker off the west coast that was being pursued by the US military. At least one French military aircraft has also been sent to the area. However, there has been unusually large movements of military cargo aircraft from US military bases to UK airbases. A Defence Forces spokesman said it does not comment on specific operational matters.

Source: The Irish Times January 05, 2026 17:53 UTC