Last Thursday, 30 October 2025, in Lisbon, the Officer Commanding the Army Ranger Wing (ARW) accepted a Certificate of Excellence and Medal on behalf of the ARW at the Maritime Analysis and Operations Centre - Narcotics (MAOC-N) Annual Awards Ceremony. The award recognised the ARW’s role in Operation PIANO and the successful seizure of the MV Matthew, conducted as part of a Joint Task Force operation involving An Garda Síochána, the Irish Customs Service, and the Defence Forces, including the Naval Service, Air Corps, and Army Ranger Wing. These awards highlighted the strong international cooperation fostered by MAOC-N and the vital role of Ireland’s security and defence agencies in combating transnational crime. #ÓglaighnaÉireann #IrishDefenceForces #ArmyRangerWing #DefendOurState #MAOCN #NavalService #AirCorps #JointTaskForce

The Defence Forces Parachute Display Team ('The Black Knights') opened the Bray Air Display on Saturday to over 40,000 spectators. The panel is drawn from all services, permanent and reserve, and participation with the team is in addition to their regular duties. Check out the footage of this year's jump conducted by Capt (AR) Gerome DONNELLY (Engr Gp DFTC), Cpl Paul KELLY (No.1 Ops Wing, Air Corps), F/Sgt Micheal RICE (ACC, Air Corps) and Comdt Keefe MEEHAN (camera - 6th Infantry Bn, Athlone).

On the 26th of September 2023, the MV Matthew was interdicted by the Joint Task Force (JTF) on Drug Interdiction. The JTF consists of the Revenue Customs Service, An Garda Síochána and the Naval Service as the lead representatives for the Defence Forces. During this operation, all three services of Óglaigh na hÉireann were deployed. The Naval Service's L.E. William Butler Yeats interdicted the MV Matthew, while the Air Corps' C295 and PC12 provided surveillance and overwatch to enable an AW139 to deploy members of the Army Ranger Wing by fast rope onto the MV Matthew to secure and take control of the vessel. These unique skillsets provided by Óglaigh na hÉireann, supported Revenue Customs Service and An Garda Síochána in making the largest drugs seizure in the history of the state. The operation represents the culmination of the constant planning and preparation conducted by our people, across all the three services of Óglaigh na hÉireann.