Introduction
Ireland has recorded a notable defence contract award as the Department of Defence confirmed the procurement of an Integrated Communications and Hearing Protection System. The supplies contract, valued at approximately €15.95 million, has been awarded to Thales UK Ltd and is intended to strengthen secure communications and personnel protection capabilities across Ireland’s Defence Forces. The contract was signed on 14 August 2025 and published as an official Contract Award Notice in December 2025.
Contract Details
The contract, issued under reference CON 0042/2025, covers the supply of integrated communications equipment combined with hearing protection technology. Falling under CPV code 32000000, the procurement relates to advanced communications and electronic systems designed for demanding operational environments.
The estimated contract value stands at €15,946,450, reflecting the scale and technical sophistication of the solution. Classified as a supplies contract, the project will be delivered in Ireland, within the Mid-East region (NUTS Code: IE061). The system is expected to provide reliable, secure communication while safeguarding defence personnel against excessive noise exposure during training and operational missions.
Entities Involved
The procuring authority is the Department of Defence, Ireland, based in Newbridge, County Kildare. The contract has been awarded to Thales UK Ltd, headquartered in Reading, United Kingdom. The Contract Award Notice did not disclose details of other bidders or the tender evaluation process, which is common in defence-related procurements due to confidentiality considerations.
Strategic and Operational Significance
This government contract award highlights Ireland’s continued investment in defence modernisation and soldier systems. Integrated communications and hearing protection solutions play a critical role in improving command efficiency, situational awareness, and long-term personnel health. From an industry perspective, the award reinforces defence procurement ties between Ireland and the UK, supporting cross-border collaboration in advanced military technologies.
Background on the Winning Company
Thales UK Ltd is part of the global Thales Group, a leading defence, aerospace, and security technology provider. The company has extensive experience in delivering secure military communications, tactical systems, and soldier protection solutions to armed forces worldwide. Its selection for this project reflects its strong technical credentials and established presence in European defence procurement.
Technical and Financial Overview
While detailed technical specifications have not been made public, the contract scope indicates the delivery of mission-critical, integrated communication systems paired with certified hearing protection. The near-€16 million valuation suggests broad deployment and long-term operational use within Ireland’s Defence Forces, supporting both training and active operations.
Conclusion
The award of the Integrated Communications and Hearing Protection System contract to Thales UK marks an important development in Ireland’s defence procurement landscape. As implementation moves forward, the project is expected to enhance operational readiness, protect personnel, and strengthen secure communications capabilities. The contract may also signal further defence technology investments and future awarded tenders within Ireland’s defence sector.
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