Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

UK and Ireland Forge New Defence Pact Amid Security Threats

3/14/2026

24 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The United Kingdom and Ireland signed a new defence agreement announced at a Cork summit.
The accord updates a 2016 agreement and strengthens cyber and subsea infrastructure cooperation.
It addresses recent Irish Sea incidents, including Russian surveillance of critical energy and internet cables.
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin stressed the need for effective responses.
The pact aims to establish a coordinated response mechanism for subsea cables.

1 of 1

Story summary

The United Kingdom and Ireland signed a new defence agreement announced at a Cork summit.
The accord updates a 2016 agreement and strengthens cyber and subsea infrastructure cooperation.
It addresses recent Irish Sea incidents, including Russian surveillance of critical energy and internet cables.
Irish Taoiseach Micheál Martin stressed the need for effective responses.
The pact aims to establish a coordinated response mechanism for subsea cables.