Outsourcing Ireland's defence carries immediate strategic costs

If we don't exercise our sovereignty in practice, it becomes entirely theoretical — we must defend ourselves

The Royal Netherlands Navy's HNLMS Johan de Witt, docked at Dublin Port in November. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins Photos.

Since leaving the Naval Service last year, I have followed growing commentary suggesting Ireland should outsource elements of its defence and security, particularly in our air and maritime domains. 

Much of this discussion is well-intentioned and framed as pragmatic. It reflects genuine concern about capability gaps, cost pressures, and a rapidly changing defence environment. However, it also raises strategic questions that deserve careful and sober consideration.