New State-of-the-Art Body Armour Rolled Out to Public Order Gardaí
Garda public order units receive new state-of-the-art body armour with enhanced protection and mobility.
An Garda Síochána has begun nationwide deployment of upgraded body armour for frontline members of the Garda National Public Order Unit, with an initial investment exceeding €3.6 million.
The rollout, which commenced today (22 January 2026), provides personal-issue body armour to all GNPOU operators. The full deployment is scheduled for completion during quarter one of 2026.
The state-of-the-art protective equipment features several operational and safety enhancements. These include enhanced fire safety material with integrated metatarsal and ankle protection, providing coverage beyond standard body armour.
The new design uses a waistcoat-style carrier with multiple adjustment points, allowing for better fit and increased mobility during operations. MOLLE (Modular, Lightweight Load-Carrying Equipment) webbing enables officers to carry tactical equipment more efficiently.
Technology integration has been prioritised through click-fast docks for seamless Tetra radio and Body-Worn Camera attachment. The armour provides slash, stab and impact protection for officers facing public disorder situations.
Each of the over 1,500 trained public order Gardaí will receive individual fitting for their Personal Protective Equipment, ensuring correct adjustment for each member.
The armour system operates across three different levels, aligned with graduated response protocols ranging from soft cap deployment to full public order PPE configuration.
This deployment represents the latest advancement in protective equipment for public order operations. Recent procurement has also included two water cannon for significant public disorder incidents, round shields for enhanced mobility in specific scenarios, and modernised specialist public order transport vehicles.
