Defence

1. Vision

A cooperative, resilient, and forward‑looking defence architecture that safeguards the peoples of the Celtic Nations, protects our shared maritime approaches, and contributes responsibly to European and global security while upholding the values of peace, human rights and democratic oversight.

2. Core Pillars

a. Integrated Celtic Defence Framework

Create a Celtic Defence Council (CDC) with equal representation from each nation to develop joint strategic plans, coordinate procurement and oversee joint exercises.
Adopt a Celtic Defence Charter that codifies the principle of collective defence, mutual assistance, and respect for each nation’s constitutional status.

b. Maritime Security & Coastguard Collaboration

Merge existing coastguard assets into a Celtic Maritime Safety Agency responsible for search‑and‑rescue, fisheries protection, and anti‑smuggling patrols across the Irish Sea, Atlantic approaches and the North Channel.
Deploy a mixed fleet of fast‑response patrol vessels (including electric‑propulsion prototypes) stationed strategically in Galway, Belfast, Glasgow and Swansea.

c. Joint Reserve & Volunteer Forces

Establish a Celtic Reserve Corps made up of part‑time volunteers from all four jurisdictions, trained to support civil emergencies, cyber incidents and homeland‑security tasks.
Offer accredited training pathways that allow reservists to obtain civilian qualifications (e.g., emergency medical technician, disaster logistics) while serving.

d. Cyber Defence & Resilience

Set up a Celtic Cyber Command tasked with protecting critical infrastructure, government networks and the emerging digital economy of the Celtic Nations.
Share threat intelligence through a secure, real‑time platform and conduct joint cyber‑exercise cycles twice a year.

e. Defence Industry Cooperation

Form a Celtic Defence Innovation Hub to pool research and development funding for low‑emission naval propulsion, autonomous surveillance drones, and next‑generation communications.
Encourage small‑to‑medium enterprises across the region to participate via joint grant programmes, creating jobs and retaining expertise locally.

f. Civil‑Military Partnership & Emergency Response

Formalise protocols that allow armed forces to support flood relief, wildfire suppression, pandemic logistics and large‑scale evacuations under civilian command.
Conduct annual “Community Resilience Days” where military units train alongside local fire services, NGOs and schools.

g. International Cooperation & Peacekeeping

Commit a proportion of the Celtic defence budget to United Nations and European Union peace‑keeping missions, showcasing the Celtic Nations as a constructive, peace‑focused bloc.
Promote the deployment of Celtic medical and engineering units to humanitarian crises, reinforcing our reputation as a compassionate partner on the world stage.

3. Funding & Resource Allocation

Source

Approximate Share

Purpose

National Budgets (combined)

55 %

Core personnel, joint procurement, reserve corps, cyber command

EU Security & Defence Fund (post‑Brexit cooperation mechanisms)

25 %

Maritime assets, innovation hub, joint exercises

Private‑sector partnerships (defence tech firms, shipyards)

15 %

Research & development, prototype production

International contributions (UN peace‑keeping reimbursements)

5 %

Operational costs for overseas deployments

All spending will be subject to parliamentary scrutiny in each nation and audited annually by an independent Celtic Defence Audit Office.

4. Governance & Oversight

Celtic Defence Council (CDC) – Strategic decision‑making body meeting quarterly; reports to the respective national parliaments.
Celtic Defence Audit Office – Independent entity responsible for financial transparency, performance metrics and compliance with the Defence Charter.
Parliamentary Defence Committees – One in each nation, with rotating membership on the CDC to ensure democratic legitimacy.
Civilian Oversight Board – Includes representatives from human‑rights NGOs, academia and veterans’ associations; reviews rules of engagement, use of force and ethical guidelines.

5. Roadmap (2024‑2034)

2024‑2025

Ratify the Celtic Defence Charter and formally establish the CDC.
Begin integration of coastguard assets into the Celtic Maritime Safety Agency.

2026‑2027

Launch the Celtic Reserve Corps recruitment drive; train the first 5 000 volunteers.
Procure two hybrid patrol vessels for the Atlantic corridor.

2028‑2029

Stand up the Celtic Cyber Command and the shared threat‑intelligence platform.
Open the Celtic Defence Innovation Hub in a joint campus located on the border of Scotland and Wales.

2030‑2032

Complete electrification of 40 % of the maritime patrol fleet.
Conduct the first joint NATO‑compatible live‑fire exercise in the Irish Sea, demonstrating interoperability.

2033‑2034

Evaluate the first decade of the Celtic Reserve Corps and expand to include specialised medical and engineering detachments.
Publish a comprehensive impact report covering cost‑savings, job creation, and contribution to regional security.

6. Expected Outcomes

Enhanced security for citizens through faster, coordinated maritime response and robust cyber protection.
Economic benefits from a shared defence industry, creating high‑skill jobs and attracting investment in green‑technology shipbuilding and autonomous systems.
Greater resilience in the face of climate‑driven emergencies, with military assets ready to support civilian agencies.
Stronger international standing as a cohesive, peace‑oriented bloc contributing to global stability and humanitarian efforts.

The Celtic Nations share a deep cultural heritage and a common destiny across the seas that bind us. By weaving our defence capabilities together—while respecting each nation’s sovereignty—we can protect our peoples, safeguard our coasts, and build a modern security architecture that reflects our values of peace, solidarity and democratic accountability. Let us move forward together, turning this vision into a tangible, shared reality for generations to come.