During a large-scale security operation in Dublin Bay for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's state visit to Ireland, the patrol ship LE William Butler Yeats detected five unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) operating near the flight path of his plane.

The incident occurred on the evening of 1/12, with the Irish Times reporting the information on 4/12. Irish officials issued a large-scale security alert, fearing an attempt to disrupt the flight.

At the time, a no-fly zone was in effect over Dublin. The origin of the drones remains unknown, but their operational range and flight duration suggest sophisticated technology requiring experienced operators.

The flight path of the Ukrainian President's plane (yellow) and an Irish patrol aircraft on 1/12. *Graphics: Irish Times*

The drones appeared near the coast by Howth village, a Dublin suburb, around the time President Zelensky's plane was expected to pass. However, his plane arrived ahead of schedule and was not in danger. Irish officials also assessed that the unidentified drones had no intention of attacking the aircraft.

Despite detecting suspicious targets, the LE William Butler Yeats could only observe and report their positions, as it lacked jamming systems or other countermeasures. The crew did not activate the ship's weapon systems, including the 76 mm and 20 mm naval guns, due to concerns that ammunition might fall on Dublin and cause casualties. The Irish patrol ship is also equipped with small unmanned aerial vehicles, but these lack offensive capability.

An Irish Air Corps C-295 maritime patrol aircraft was on duty offshore south of Dublin at the time. It returned to Casement Aerodrome immediately after the Ukrainian President's plane landed, though it is unclear whether the crew detected the drones. This aircraft continued its patrol mission in the area the next morning.

The unidentified drones appeared to be deployed from a location near the incident, potentially from sea or land. However, sources suggest they could be controlled globally using satellite communication technology.

A source indicated that the drones had their lights on and "seemed to want to be detected".

President Zelensky and his wife departing the plane at Dublin airport, Ireland on 1/12. *Photo: AP*

Dmytro Lytvyn, an advisor to President Zelensky, confirmed that Ukrainian officials had been informed about the drones but stated that no action was needed. "The host country is responsible for security. While drones were present according to their data, this did not affect the visit or lead to any changes", he stated.

The Irish military declined to comment for security reasons. However, the force confirmed it had deployed extensive measures to support the police-led security operation, ensuring the visit proceeded safely and successfully.

The incident comes amid a recent surge of unidentified drones disrupting aviation operations across Europe. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called this a form of "hybrid warfare", a term for conflict combining political, military, and cyber tactics.

Pham Giang (According to Irish Times, Reuters)