VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Republic of Ireland: Military Aircraft

Asked by Carla LockhartDemocratic Unionist PartyMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 19 January 2026UIN 105068

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what arrangements exist between the UK and the Republic of Ireland for the interception of unidentified or hostile aircraft in Irish airspace.

Answered by Al Carns

Access to Irish airspace is managed through extant diplomatic channels as per international norms with clearance being requested and granted for state aircraft under set conditions. UK Military aircraft do not enter the sovereign airspace of Ireland for operational purposes, without the express prior agreement of the Irish Government. Questions on sovereign airspace access and associated regulations are for individual nations to answer, therefore any questions on Irish airspace should be directed to the Irish Government.

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