The naval service is “lost in the dark” in trying to protect critical national infrastructure in Irish waters, according to one of its officers.

The Naval Service has contacted members of its reserve in an attempt to lure them into full-time service to fill posts left vacant due to a major crisis in retention and recruitment.

The Naval Service has successfully tested a revolutionary new radar system which it is hoping to market globally.

The naval service is to use drones in the fight against international drug smugglers and illegal fishing, with the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) also to help with search and rescue missions.