Irish army vehicles rejected by Ukraine stuck in limbo

The fleet of RG32M vehicles were rejected by the Ukrainian authorities due to the age of the technology, maintenance requirements, and the cost of upgrading the vehicles

Defence minister Helen McEntee admitted in response to a parliamentary question from Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman that there is no plan for the unwanted hardware following Ukraine’s rejection.

The Department of Defence doesn’t know how it will dispose of its fleet of 27 light tactical armoured vehicles since an offer to donate them to the war effort in Ukraine was rejected by Kyiv last month.

The fleet of RG32M vehicles was acquired for nearly €20m in 2009 and saw limited operational use before they were withdrawn from active service and placed in storage.

The Government offered the entire fleet to Ukraine last month, but they were rejected by the Ukrainian authorities due to the age of the technology, maintenance requirements, and the cost of upgrading the vehicles.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was grateful for the offer, but explained that money needed to upgrade the vehicles would be better spent on drone capabilities in the war against Russia.

Defence minister Helen McEntee admitted in response to a parliamentary question from Green Party leader Roderic O’Gorman that there is no plan for the unwanted hardware following Ukraine’s rejection.

“No decision has yet been made regarding the manner in which these vehicles will be disposed [of],” she said, confirming that they were approaching the “end of life” and were due for replacement.

"The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine expressed its sincere gratitude for the offer and for Ireland's continued support, but ultimately decided not to accept the vehicles. 

"That was an operational decision for the Ukrainian authorities, who are best placed themselves to determine what equipment can be integrated effectively into their existing logistics, maintenance and training systems.

"Ireland respects Ukraine's assessment of its own requirements," she said.

Earlier this month, Ms McEntee denied that it had been humiliating for Ireland that Ukraine had turned down its offer of armoured vehicles. 

“I think this has been blown out of proportion,” she said.

Replacement vehicles

Meanwhile, bilateral negotiations have commenced with France with a view to sourcing replacement vehicles under the French SCORPION programme, though procurement costs and timelines remain subject to ongoing assessment.

“Officials from my department have now commenced detailed negotiations with France on a potential agreement for the delivery of capability requirements under the French SCORPION programme of vehicles,” the minister said.

“As such, the fleet size, role, timelines and costs are to be determined and are dependent on the ongoing negotiations and the completion of the necessary approval and sanction steps.”