The Irish Navy will use drones to crack down on illegal fishing and smuggling offences , with maritime evidence - gathering being one area that will benefit from the technology , according to sources . RollingNews Remotely operated pilot air systems have been identified by naval chiefs as essential for obtaining intelligence and keeping a check on Ireland's vast marine territory. The announcement followed the successful use of drones during humanitarian rescue missions in the Mediterranean last year by Irish Navy vessel LE Eithne as part of Operation Sophia . Lieutenant Commander Phil Watson , who led drone operations on LE Eithne , said the technology could also be used in drug or contraband smuggling observations .
The Irish Navy will use drones to crack down on illegal fishing and smuggling offences , with maritime evidence - gathering being one area that will benefit from the technology , according to sources . The announcement followed the successful use of drones during humanitarian rescue missions in the Mediterranean last year by Irish Navy vessel LE Eithne as part of Operation Sophia . Lieutenant Commander Phil Watson , who led drone operations on LE Eithne , said the technology could also be used in drug or contraband smuggling observations .