A drone near Zelensky’s Dublin flight exposed Ireland’s weak air defenses, sparking calls for urgent reform.

A drone incursion near Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s flight during his January 2026 visit to Dublin exposed serious gaps in Ireland’s air defence, with drones coming within 500 meters of a naval vessel and over Dublin Airport. Authorities could not intercept them due to civilian air traffic, highlighting deficiencies in radar coverage, interception capability, and personnel. Though the drones’ origin remains unconfirmed, experts suspect Russian involvement in a broader hybrid threat campaign. The incident sparked public criticism, with calls for urgent investment in defence, including a stalled €500 million French radar deal, and reevaluation of Ireland’s neutrality amid rising security challenges.