Defence Forces officers have pushed back, arguing the ship’s mission, along with the mission of LÉ Aoibhinn which was closer to shore, was to ensure the safe transit of the Ukrainian aircraft and that this was successfully completed. Furthermore, the rules of engagement in place for the mission stated the ship could not open fire on aircraft in international waters unless they posed a threat to the ship. “It would have been nice to shoot down at least one for evidential value,” said one security source. One security source said it was unfair to compare the situation to the sighting of five drones over a French nuclear submarine base last week which saw French troops open fire. [ Rogue drones during Zelenskiy visit part of ‘co-ordinated threat’ to Europe, says MinisterOpens in new window ]One naval source not involved in the incident said they would have been happy to order the drones be shot down based on their behaviour and proximity.

Source: The Irish Times December 09, 2025 09:40 UTC