Ireland steps up sonar security amid mounting subsea risks

Ireland is investing tens of millions in a French-developed sonar system to monitor and protect its vast Exclusive Economic Zone—home to critical energy assets and undersea cables that keep global systems connected. The move marks a strategic shift in maritime surveillance as Europe’s underwater infrastructure faces rising geopolitical threats.

The new towed sonar, operational by 2027, will help the Irish Naval Service detect interference around offshore wind pipelines, gas interconnectors, and vital subsea data routes. It's a welcome capability boost, but only if personnel are in place to operate it. With most of Ireland’s naval fleet docked due to staffing shortages, there’s growing concern that this state-of-the-art asset could become a stranded one.

As the blue economy expands and offshore energy grows, the ability to track activity below the surface is fast becoming a national security priority. For business energy leaders, the message is clear—subsea resilience is no longer optional.

Read the full article to understand the secu rity shift shaping Ireland’s energy future.