List of equipment of the Irish Army
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Template:Short description Script error: No such module "Sidebar". This is a list of equipment of the Irish Army, the land component of the Irish Defence Forces.
Small arms
Standard issue weapons
| Name | Origin | Type | Calibre | Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Handguns | |||||
| Heckler & Koch USP | Script error: No such module "flag". | Semi-automatic pistol | 9×19mm Parabellum | File:First-year H&K USP 9mm (32415150000) modified.png | The USP entered service in 2007 as the Defence Force's standard service pistol, replacing the Browning Hi-Power.[1] |
| Assault rifles & battle rifles | |||||
| Steyr AUG | Script error: No such module "flag". | Assault rifle | 5.56×45mm NATO | File:AUG A1 508mm 04.jpg | The Steyr AUG is the Defence Force's standard service rifle. It entered service in 1989 and is in use with all units of the Defence Forces.[2] Operational units are issued an enhanced rifle fitted with an ACOG 4x32 optical sight starting to enter service in late 2014, known as the Model 14 or MOD 14. |
| Precision rifles | |||||
| FN FAL | Script error: No such module "flag". | Designated marksman rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | File:FN-FAL belgian noBG.png | The FN FAL was previously the standard service rifle for the Defence Forces. Older FAL rifles were upgraded with an adjustable butt stock, Picatinny-style rail hand guard, a bipod, and a Schmidt & Bender sight for use as sniper support weapons.[3] In January 2021, the Defence Forces stated a replacement was being sought.[4]Template:Better source |
| Accuracy International 92 | Script error: No such module "flag". | Bolt action sniper rifle | 7.62×51mm NATO | File:Accuracy International Arctic Warfare - Psg 90 G24.png | The AI 92 Sniper Rifle entered Irish Army service in 1992.[2] |
| Accuracy International AWM | Script error: No such module "flag". | Bolt action sniper rifle | 8.6×70mm (.338 LM) | File:L115A3 sniper rifle.jpg | The AWM entered service in 2011. The Irish Army version is chambered for the .338 Lapua Magnum round.[3] |
| Machine guns | |||||
| FN MAG | Script error: No such module "flag". | General-purpose machine gun | 7.62×51mm NATO | File:Irish Defence Forces GPMG (4815975558).jpg | The FN MAG entered service in 1964 with the Defence Forces and is in use with all service branches and a number of Army Corps. It is deployed both with bipod or in a sustained fire (SF) role mounted on a tripod by the Infantry. Both the Infantry and Cavalry use the MAG mounted on its armoured vehicles and the Infantry and Artillery use it in the air defense role.[2] |
| M2 Browning .5 Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) | Script error: No such module "flag". Script error: No such module "flag". |
Heavy machine gun | 12.7×99mm NATO
(.50 BMG) |
File:Machine gun M2 1.jpg | The M2 Heavy Machine Gun entered service in the 1970s. It is in use with all service branches and a number of Army Corps. The Infantry use it in the sustained fire role, air defense role and mounted on its MOWAG APCs. The Artillery use it in the air defense role and the Cavalry use it mounted on its armoured vehicles.[2] |
| Grenades | |||||
| Mecar M72 HE Grenade | Script error: No such module "flag". | Fragmentation hand grenade | n/a | File:M72 Frag Grenade.jpg | |
| Grenade launchers | |||||
| Diemaco M203 grenade launcher | Script error: No such module "flag". | Under-barrel grenade launcher | 40×46mm LV | File:PEO M203A2 Grenade Launcher.png | The M203 is in use with the Defence Forces. It is mounted to the Steyr AUG rifle and employs its own separate sighting and trigger mechanism.[2] |
| Heckler & Koch GMG | Script error: No such module "flag". | Automatic grenade launcher | 40×53mm HV | File:Irish Army Grenade launcher (4109942104).jpg | Used fitted to MOWAG APCs and Army Ranger Wing vehicles. |
| Anti-tank weapons | |||||
| AT4 Short Range Anti-Armour Weapon (SRAAW) | Script error: No such module "flag". | Recoilless guns | 84mm | File:M136 AT4 Light Anti-tank Weapon (7414625190).jpg | The AT4 entered service in 1997. The SRAAW is a recoilless, preloaded disposable weapon.[2] |
| Carl Gustav 84mm Anti-Armour Weapon | Script error: No such module "flag". | Recoilless rifles | 84mm | File:M3E1.jpg | The Carl Gustav 84mm is a recoilless, breech-loaded anti-armour weapon.[2] |
| Javelin Anti-tank guided weapon | Script error: No such module "flag". | ATGM
Anti-tank guided missile |
127mm | File:FGM-148 Javelin (5160721562).jpg | The Javelin is a fire-and-forget anti-armour weapon system and entered service in 2003.[5] |
Army Ranger Wing weapons (special forces)
Indirect fire
Mortars
| Name | Origin | Type | Calibre | Number | Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denel Vektor M1 60mm Mortar | Script error: No such module "flag". | Mortar | 60mm | Entered service in 2003 with the Infantry. It can also be fired in a commando role by removing the bipod and baseplate, and fitting a special small baseplate and attaching sighting unit/handgrip.[2] | ||
| Hotchkiss Brandt 81mm Mortar | Script error: No such module "flag". | Mortar | 81mm | 84[9] | File:Mortier 81 LLR 01.jpg | Uses the C2 AI Sight Unit and a Morfire Fire Control Computer.[2] |
| RUAG M87 120mm Mortar | Script error: No such module "flag". | Mortar | 120mm | 24[9] | File:The Arty School exercising both a Young Officers course and an Artillery Standard NCO cse Live Firing Day and night shoot 04 (16324294293).jpg | Used by Artillery Regiments heavy mortar batteries. |
Artillery
| Name | Origin | Type | Calibre | Number | Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 105mm L118 light gun | Script error: No such module "flag". | Howitzer | 105mm | 17[9] | File:Irish Army 105mm Light Gun Shoot RDF (15) (4110022946).jpg | Along with the L119, these are used as the primary artillery support weapon. |
| 105mm L119 light gun | Script error: No such module "flag". | Howitzer | 105mm | 6[9] | Along with the L118, these are used as the primary artillery support weapon. | |
| Ordnance QF 25-pounder | Script error: No such module "flag". | Field gun | 87.6mm | 6 | File:25 Pounder Gun.JPG | 48 ex-British Mark IIIs acquired in 1949. Withdrawn from the Army in 1981 and from the Reserve in 2009. Used for ceremonial gun salutes only.[10] |
Vehicles
| Name | Origin | Type | Number | Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armoured fighting vehicles | |||||
| Mowag Piranha IIIH[11] | Script error: No such module "flag". | Armoured personnel carrier Armoured reconnaissance vehicle |
80[12][13] | File:Mowags on Patrol in KFOR (4422990500).jpg |
|
| RG-32M Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV)[16][17] | Script error: No such module "flag". | Light tactical armoured vehicle | 27[16] | File:Irish Army RG-32M Light Tactical Armoured Vehicle LTAV (4520429843).jpg | Armed with pintle-mounted 7.62mm machine gun or Kongsberg Protector RWS with the 12.7mm machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher. |
| Army Ranger Wing (special forces) | |||||
| ACMAT VLRA | Script error: No such module "flag". | Long range special reconnaissance | 3[18] | File:Irish Army Ranger Wing ACMAT VLRA 1.jpg | Used by Army Ranger Wing (ARW) as a 'mothership' to resupply Ford F-350 SRV. |
| Mowag Eagle | Script error: No such module "flag". | Light armoured vehicle | Leased to the German Army | File:Mowag Eagle V.jpg | Used by Army Ranger Wing soldiers[19] conducting a field human intelligence role for MINUSMA as part of a German task force.[20] |
| Ford F350 SRV | Script error: No such module "flag". | Special reconnaissance vehicle | 12[18] | File:Irish Army Ranger Wing Ford Special Recon Vehicle in Chad (4109830420).jpg | Used by Army Ranger Wing as a special reconnaissance vehicle for long-range reconnaissance patrols. Left hand drive. |
| General service vehicles | |||||
| Toyota Landcruiser | Template:JAP | Off-road vehicle | 280 ordered for delivery 2019-2023. [21] Replacing older vehicles. | ||
| Toyota Landcruiser /Centigon Fortress 200 Intervention | Template:JAP | Off-road vehicle | Armoured Utility Vehicle. 24 ordered in 2018. 28 in 2020[22][23][24] | ||
| Nissan Patrol[25] | Template:JAP | Off-road vehicle | The Defence Forces maintains a small fleet of 'discreet' armoured SUVs for high-risk and IED-threat missions.[26] | ||
| Mitsubishi Pajero | Template:JAP | Off-road vehicle | File:Irish Army New Pajero (4184292173).jpg | 32 Mitsubishi Pajero vehicles are fitted for radio (FFR) - VHF.[27] | |
| Isuzu D-Max | Template:JAP | Off-road vehicle | |||
| Land Rover Defender | Script error: No such module "flag". | Off-road vehicle | File:Lt Gen Dermot Earley DSM RIP Funeral (4743363678).jpg | Field ambulances and funeral gun carriage tractor. | |
| Ford Ranger | Script error: No such module "flag". | Off-road vehicle. Left hand drive. | |||
| Honda NC750X | Template:JAP | Motorcycle | 48 | Purchased in 2019 to be used by 2nd Cavalry Squadron to provide a ceremonial escort for the President and other dignitaries.[28][29][30] | |
| Suzuki DR350 | Template:JAP | Motorcycle | [6] | ||
| Suzuki DRZ-400 | Template:JAP | Motorcycle | File:Suzuki DRZ 400 S Ejército español.jpg | [6] | |
| Yamaha Grizzly 660 | Template:JAP | ATV / Quad | [6] | ||
| Troop carrying vehicle | |||||
| Iveco EuroCargo 4x4[31][32] | Script error: No such module "flag". | Troop carrying vehicle | |||
| Mercedes-Benz 1117 4x4[32] | Script error: No such module "flag". | Troop carrying vehicle | 60 | File:Bangladesh Army Mercedes Benz 1117A 4X4 truck (25863170920).jpg | |
| Scania P 370B 4x4[33] | Script error: No such module "flag". | Troop carrying vehicle | 120 ordered for delivery 2020-2023. Replacing older 4x4 troop carriers[34] | ||
| Scania R 420 6x6 | Script error: No such module "flag". | Troop carrying vehicle | File:Irish Army - Equipment loading prior to departure to Chad (4109933072).jpg | 36 ordered in 2006.[35] | |
| Scania R 420 8x4[35] | Script error: No such module "flag". | Miscellaneous | 2 | File:Chad Withdrawal (4584821982).jpg | Delivered 2006. One in naval service |
| EOD Duro II 6x6 | Script error: No such module "flag". | Tactical military lorry (truck) | 6 | File:Duro3 MSPO2004.jpg | Delivered 2003 [36] |
| Leyland DAF T244 4x4 | Script error: No such module "flag". | Artillery gun tractor and troop carrying vehicle | 55 | File:Irish army truck.jpg | |
| Ford Transit Minibus | Script error: No such module "flag". | Minibus | File:THE EASTER SUNDAY PARADE - THE MAIN EVENT IN DUBLIN (CELEBRATING THE EASTER 1916 RISING)-112857 (25468172653).jpg | ||
| Logistics | |||||
| Iveco Astra M320.42 W BAD 8×8 DROPS | Script error: No such module "flag". | DROPS truck | File:Irish Army Iveco Astra M 320E D Trackway Variant (4703540529).jpg | One fitted with an EKALIFT 2500 recovery body. | |
| Scania P124CB 8×8 DROPS[37] | Script error: No such module "flag". | DROPS truck | File:Nordic Battle Group (5187692598).jpg | Tender for 20 new DROPS vehicles issued in 2021.[38] | |
| EMPL Template:Ill on Scania truck | Script error: No such module "flag". / Script error: No such module "flag". | Recovery truck | 2 | [39] | |
| Explosive Ordnance Disposal | |||||
| MAN HX60[14] | Script error: No such module "flag". | Armoured EOD trucks | 3 or more | File:British Army HX60.JPG | Initially Delivered 2011. Two additional ordered 2016.[40] |
| Aardvark MK4 | Script error: No such module "flag". | Mine flail | File:Aardvark demining vehicle.JPEG | ||
| Mowag Duro II | Script error: No such module "flag". | Explosive ordnance disposal vehicle | 6 | File:Duro3 MSPO2004.jpg | [41] |
| Ceremonial vehicles | |||||
| Rolls Royce armoured car | Script error: No such module "flag". | Armoured car | 1 | File:Best 57 (9314368154) (2).jpg | ARR-2 Sliabh na mBan. The sole remaining example of thirteen vehicles. Was part of the convoy ambushed at Béal na mBláth where General Michael Collins, Commander in Chief of the National Army, was killed during the Irish Civil War.[42][43] Currently used for ceremonial purposes, and also the world's oldest active serving armoured vehicle.[44][45] |
Air defence
| Name | Origin | Type | Number | Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBS-70 Missile system | Script error: No such module "flag". | Man-portable air-defense system | 6 | File:RBS70.jpg | A number of launchers and a simulator were acquired in 1981. Upgraded in 2006 and "more than a dozen" upgraded in 2014 for €4.4 million to include deliveries of improved firing units, new simulators, night vision equipment and associated weapons support.[46] (In total 6 launchers in active service)[47] |
| Saab GIRAFFE Mk IV | Script error: No such module "flag". | Short range air surveillance radar | 7 | File:THE EASTER SUNDAY PARADE - SOME MILITARY HARDWARE USED BY THE IRISH ARMY (CELEBRATING THE EASTER 1916 RISING)-112962 (26046308406).jpg | Fitted on Bandvagn 206 vehicles in support of the RBS 70.[48] |
Unmanned aerial vehicles
| Name | Origin | Type | Number | Image | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautics Orbiter UAV | Script error: No such module "flag". | Miniature UAV | 14[49] | File:Nordic Battle Group ISTAR Training (5014812226).jpg | Used by Artillery Corps. Two systems were acquired in 2006 each system has 3 Orbiter UAVs. Two were destroyed in crashes and one was lost and never recovered. €2m was spent on 12 new UAVs in 2016/17. |
Gallery
-
The remaining Panhard AML-20 armoured cars were retired in 2013
-
Honda ceremonial escort motorcycles of 2 Cavalry Squadron
-
14 Scorpion CVR(T) tracked reconnaissance vehicles were in use from the 1980s until their retirement in 2017.[50]
See also
References
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Template:Irish Army & Army Reserve Template:Military equipment of Europe