Irish troops get battle ready in EU training operation

Crack Irish troops using drones and other hi-tech equipment have been put through their paces this week as part of a major EU-organised exercise in the north Cork/south Limerick area.

The Irish component of an EU battlegroup were undergoing intensive training in areas around Lynch Camp at Kilworth and the Ballyhoura Mountains.

Their role in the German-led battlegroup is to provide up-to-the-minute ISTAR (intelligence, surveillance, target, acquisition, and reconnaissance) information.

It puts the Irish at the spearhead of operations where they are mainly on the frontline, and sometimes even behind it, gathering as much information as possible on an enemy force’s strength and movements.

The operation, codenamed Terra Nova, was run as a “national certification exercise” where independent instructors assessed the training conducted by troops to date, giving constructive feedback to prepare them for possible deployment with the multinational EU battlegroup force in the future.

A sniper and spotter detachment. The training operation, codenamed Terra Nova, around Lynch Camp at Kilworth and the Ballyhoura Mountains was run as a ‘national certification exercise’ where independent instructors assessed the training conducted by troops to date

The battlegroup has been formed since July 1. From this summer, it will be on standby for six months for potential rapid deployment should the EU agree to send troops to troublespots.

The Irish ISTAR taskforce comprised a mechanised company drawn from the infantry, cavalry, and artillery.

ISTAR personnel during the operation. The Irish ISTAR taskforce comprised members of infantry, cavalry, and artillery

They deployed Mowag armoured cars, light tactical armoured vehicles, miniature unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, aided by covert snipers and spotters to conduct anti-enemy operations.

Irish troops have previously worked as ISTAR components with another EU battlegroup, which was led by the Swedes and are considered the ‘cream of the crop’ for such operations.

Senior members of the Defence Forces are also working with another EU battlegroup, which is led by the British.

The battlegroup has been formed since July 1. From this summer, it will be on standby for six months for potential rapid deployment

The Defence Forces’ relationship with the British has grown significantly in recent years.