Securing the Future: R&D Tax Credits for Defence & Space

Innovation in the Defence and Space sectors is critical for national security and technological leadership. We help you secure the government funding available for your high-stakes, complex R&D projects.

€2.2B
Annual Ireland government R&D defence spending

Why Defence & Space Projects Qualify

This sector operates at the cutting edge of technology, constantly pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Projects often involve creating entirely new capabilities or improving existing technologies to perform in extreme conditions, a process fraught with technological uncertainty and therefore qualifying as R&D.

Qualifying R&D Activities

From deep space to cyberspace, innovation in this sector is broad and technically complex.

Advanced Weaponry & Cybersecurity

Developing next-generation defence systems, drones, or sophisticated cybersecurity measures to counter new threats.

Secure Communication Systems

Creating novel encryption methods, anti-jamming technologies, or secure data transmission protocols.

Advanced Materials

Researching and developing new composites, alloys, or coatings for use in extreme aerospace or defence environments.

Aerospace & Propulsion Tech

Innovating in propulsion systems, aerodynamics, or developing lighter, stronger structural components for aircraft and spacecraft.

Satellite & Navigation Systems

Developing new satellite technologies, improving GPS/GNSS accuracy, or creating new earth observation capabilities.

Dual-Use Technologies

Adapting military-grade technology for civilian applications or vice-versa, requiring significant technical modification.

Case Study: Lightweight Armour Composite

The Challenge

A defence contractor was tasked with developing a new composite material for personnel carriers that offered superior ballistic protection at a significantly lower weight. The technological uncertainty was how to bond dissimilar materials to create a laminate that wouldn't delaminate under impact.

The R&D Solution

The materials science team experimented with various polymer matrices and fibre reinforcements. They developed a novel, high-pressure curing process and a proprietary adhesive film. The project involved extensive prototyping and destructive testing to validate the material's performance against stringent MOD standards.

€252,000
Claimed in R&D Tax Credits

The claim covered salaries of material scientists and engineers, the cost of raw materials for prototypes, and fees for specialist third-party testing facilities.

Your Partner in High-Stakes R&D Claims

We understand the unique confidentiality and complexity requirements of the defence and space industries.

Security-Cleared Expertise

Our team has experience handling sensitive and classified project information, ensuring your intellectual property and security are protected throughout the claims process.

Navigating Grant & Subsidy Rules

Many defence projects are grant-funded. We are experts in the complex rules governing how R&D tax credits interact with subsidies to maximise your total funding.

Is Your Mission-Critical Innovation Eligible?

Don't let complex project structures or funding sources deter you from claiming valuable R&D tax relief. Contact our specialists for a confidential assessment.

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