Short answer
Not while it is part of the UK: the British Armed Forces cover the whole country. In a united Ireland, Northern Ireland would rely on Ireland's much smaller Defence Forces.
What we know Fact
- As part of the UK, Northern Ireland has no separate armed forces and needs none.
- People from Northern Ireland serve in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
- Ireland's Defence Forces number around 7,500.
What is still unclear Interpretation
It is unclear whether Ireland would expand its Defence Forces to cover Northern Ireland, and at what cost.
