French state-backed arms manufacturer KNDS – set to provide Ireland with up to €800 million in armoured vehicles – is a member of an Irish lobbying group that previously refused to publicly disclose its membership.
KNDS is half-owned by the French state and is a member of the Irish Defence and Security Association (IDSA) – a self-described “industry group” that lobbies government for increased militarisation of the Irish economy.
It meets with the Department of Defence on a quarterly basis and has filed 18 lobbying returns with the lobbying registry outlining its engagement with the state on defence policy.
This week it was reported that Ireland will make a record purchase of €600-800 million worth of armoured vehicles from France, The Journal reported that France is the “preferred bidder” for the contract with KNDS supplying the vehicles.
'Data protection legislation' it says
When approached by The Ditch in 2024 and asked to disclose its membership the Irish Defence and Security Association declined. At that point it had already lobbied government nine times.
“As I am sure you are aware, access to third parties’ personal information is subject to restrictions under freedom of information legislation and is generally prohibited under data protection legislation,” a spokesperson told The Ditch.
Later that year however IDSA published a list of its members online, which included international arms manufacturers like KNDS, the French company now reportedly set to provide the state with armoured vehicles.
Internal documents obtained by The Ditch last year showed the IDSA has actively sought to influence defence policy by targeting politicians and the media to benefit its members.
A spokesperson from the Department of Defence told The Ditch that the potential deal is a government-to-government transaction, not one involving industry.
“Market analysis carried out during 2024–2025 indicated that the French Scorpion programme is the only available programme capable of delivering the full range of capabilities required by Ireland,” they said.
“No contract has yet been awarded. Fleet size, roles, timelines, and costs will be determined through the next phase of negotiations with France. Expenditure arising from this programme will be met from within the capital allocations announced as part of the national Development plan.”
IDSA declined to comment.
