Ireland is starting to receive the 40 MOWAG 8x8 Piranha wheeled armored personnel carriers on order, and plans to exercise the contract option to get 20 more. These will be used to form a mechanized battalion to undertake various important missions. The Irish also plan to buy 80 Eagle 4x4 light trucks (armored versions of the US Humvee) which will outfit a light infantry battalion that will be assigned to the EU Rapid Reaction Force.--Stephen V Cole