As many as 100 of the vehicles are expected to be purchased in the coming months
The Government is set to spend almost half-a-billion euro to give the Defence Forces vital new armoured vehicles.
The vehicles are expected to replace the current fleet of 80 Mowag Piranha III armoured cars and 27 RG-32 light tactical vehicles. The Mowag Piranhas first came into service in 2022 and have seen service in Syria, Lebanon, Chad, and Eritrea. However, several sources told the Irish Mirror there is an expectation that a final decision will be made in months – and contracts awarded.
Elements of the Defence Forces have already used it. In 2020, members of the elite Army Ranger Wing used them when working with German special forces in Mali. They were on a joint patrol when they were ambushed by Islamic fighters. An IED exploded close to the Irish team – but the armour of the Eagle saved them from serious injury or death. Cost: around €900,000.
The more modern version of the Piranha III. It has a crew of three and can carry eight troops. It has increased mine and IED protection and can be armed with a 3mm autocannon or 12.7mm heavy machine gun. Cost: around €4 million.
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