Defence Forces (Ireland)

The Defence Forces (Irish: Fórsaí Cosanta, officially styled Óglaigh na hÉireann) are the armed forces of Ireland. They primarily encompass the Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, and Reserve Defence Forces.

The Supreme Commander of the Defence Forces is the President of Ireland. All Defence Forces officers hold their commission from the President of Ireland. Still, in practice, the Minister for Defence acts on the President of Ireland's behalf and reports to the Government of Ireland. The Council of Defence advises the Minister for Defence on the business of the Department of Defence.

As of June 2025, there were 7,531 permanent personnel in the Defence Forces out of an established strength of 9,739, a decrease from September 2020 when there were 8,529 personnel, comprising 6,878 Army, 752 Air Corps and 899 Naval Service personnel. As of August 2024, there were also 1,720 personnel in the Reserve Defence Force out of an established strength of 4,069.