Drones Breach No-Fly Zone as Zelenskyy Arrives in Dublin

URGENT UPDATE: In a shocking security breach, four military-style drones violated a no-fly zone and approached the flight path of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s plane as it landed at Dublin Airport late Monday night. The incident occurred just moments after Zelenskyy’s aircraft touched down at approximately 11 PM, raising serious concerns about security protocols during his visit.

The drones reportedly took off from the northeast of Dublin, possibly near Howth, and flew for nearly two hours, reaching their intended location just as Zelenskyy’s plane was due to land. They then orbited above the Irish naval vessel, the LÉ William Butler Yeats, which had been deployed in the Irish Sea for the visit. This alarming event highlights potential vulnerabilities in Ireland’s national security framework.

Sources indicate that the drones had their lights on, suggesting a deliberate attempt to disrupt the flight. Authorities are currently investigating the origin of the drones, which may have launched from either land or an undisclosed ship. The Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly was briefed on the situation in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with several high-ranking officials, including the Taoiseach and Ministers for Justice and Defence, made aware shortly thereafter.

In a troubling reflection of recent drone incursions across Europe, similar incidents have previously led to airport closures in Brussels and Denmark. Ireland’s security services have categorized the drones as large, expensive, and of military specification, raising fears that this could be classified as a hybrid attack. This term refers to the use of both military and non-military tactics to undermine opponents without engaging in full-scale warfare.

The drones missed the Ukrainian leader’s plane but then focused on the naval vessel, which was operating within the 12 nautical mile limit of Irish-controlled waters. Authorities made the decision not to shoot down the drones due to limited capabilities; the LÉ Yeats lacks air radar and was unable to engage the UAVs. Reports suggest that handheld equipment used by An Garda Síochána was out of range, leaving few options to neutralize the threat.

The Irish Aviation Authority had established a no-fly zone around Dublin for the duration of Zelenskyy’s visit, and the drones appear to have been quadcopters, which can hover effectively. Surveillance onboard the naval vessel spotted the drones as they illuminated the night sky.

A high-level meeting involving An Garda Síochána, the Irish Defence Forces, and senior civil servants was convened to address the incident. Despite the breach, Zelenskyy’s visit proceeded without major issues, although his departure from Dublin required a specialized takeoff to minimize exposure to further drone incidents.

This unfolding situation raises significant questions about Ireland’s security readiness, especially as it prepares for its upcoming EU Presidency. In recent weeks, concerns about the nation’s ability to handle state security have been spotlighted, particularly following reports of vulnerabilities in the Joint Committee on Defence and National Security.

As investigations continue, the public awaits further updates on the identity of those responsible for deploying the drones and the measures that will be taken to prevent future threats. The Defence Forces have refrained from commenting specifically on the incident, citing operational security, while An Garda Síochána stated that any occurrences in Irish waters fall under the purview of the Defence Forces.

This alarming incident not only underscores the challenges posed by drone technology but also emphasizes the need for robust security measures to protect national leaders during official visits. The implications of this breach will likely resonate beyond Ireland, as nations reassess their security protocols in light of evolving threats.