Ireland launches first-ever National Maritime Security Strategy

February 26, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Ireland has unveiled its first National Maritime Security Strategy, setting out a five-year roadmap to protect the state’s sovereign maritime interests, strengthen defence capabilities at sea, and reinforce the legal order across its vast maritime domain.

Irish Navy photo of P50-class OPV LÈ Niamph

The strategy, launched by Defense Minister Helen McEntee, comes amid growing geopolitical tensions and heightened concern over the vulnerability of critical undersea infrastructure, including communications cables and energy links.

The strategy places national security and defence at its core, reflecting what the government characterises as an increasingly complex threat landscape. As an island state heavily dependent on maritime connectivity, Ireland faces risks ranging from infrastructure sabotage and hybrid threats to challenges in monitoring and enforcing sovereignty across its waters.

To address these risks, the government has adopted a “whole-of-government” approach that integrates defence, law enforcement, regulatory authorities and industry stakeholders. The plan also emphasises cooperation with regional partners and international institutions to uphold maritime law and collective security.

“The immediate focus now is on implementation and action. I will move immediately to deliver a new, whole-of-government approach to protect the security of our maritime domain, along with developing the concept of a national maritime security centre,” the minister said.

“I will also ensure that Ireland cooperates with regional partners and international institutions. This will include cooperating closely with our near neighbours on new initiatives and exploring the opportunity for Ireland to host or partner in a regional cable monitoring hub for the EU in the North Atlantic.“

The minister also highlighted the role of private sector operators, noting that many of Ireland’s critical maritime assets are owned or managed by industry partners whose participation is essential to the strategy’s success.

Six pillars for maritime protection

The framework is structured around six strategic objectives:

Defending the state’s maritime domain;
Protecting critical maritime infrastructure, with particular emphasis on undersea systems;
Enhancing maritime domain awareness;
Strengthening regional partnerships and expanding international cooperation;
Ensuring legal order and supporting international maritime law;
Advancing education, training, research and innovation in maritime security.

A separate implementation plan details specific measures under each objective, translating policy commitments into operational actions over the coming years.

Operational responsibility for many elements of the strategy will rest with Ireland’s Defence Forces, particularly the Irish Naval Service and the Irish Air Corps.

The Naval Service will remain the state’s principal sea-going security agency, conducting surveillance patrols, maritime defence operations, fisheries protection, drug interdiction and search-and-rescue missions. Meanwhile, the Air Corps will provide aerial maritime surveillance using specialised aircraft to support monitoring and enforcement efforts.

The strategy follows an extensive public consultation process that generated roughly 300 submissions from government agencies, academic experts, industry stakeholders and members of the public. Authorities say the breadth of input reflects growing national awareness of maritime security as a critical strategic priority.

With the framework now in place, the government’s focus shifts to execution, a process officials say will define Ireland’s maritime security posture for the coming decade.

To remind, in December 2025, Ireland launched a new Defence Sectoral National Development Plan (NDP), which sets out the government’s record €1.7 billion capital investment in defense over the next five years.