List of weapons used by the Provisional Irish Republican Army

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The following is a list of weapons used by the Provisional Irish Republican Army (IRA) during the Troubles.

Sources

Main articles: Provisional IRA arms importation, Provisional IRA campaign 1969-1997, and Chronology of Provisional IRA Actions
See also: Improvised tactical vehicles of the Provisional IRA

During the initial phase of the Troubles (1969-1972), the Provisional IRA was poorly equipped and primarily used weapons from World War II. Beginning in the 1970s, the Provisional IRA began importing modern weapons from the United States, Libyan leader Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, and arms dealers in mainland Europe, the Middle East, and elsewhere.

Firearms

Handguns

Model Image Caliber Type Origin Details
Browning Hi-Power File:High power Inglis (6971784217).jpg 9×19mm Parabellum Pistol File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium [1][2]
Luger P08 File:Luger P08 (6971793777).jpg 9×19mm Parabellum Pistol File:Flag of the German Empire.svg German Empire [3]
Mauser C96 File:Mauser C96 7,63 (6971794467).jpg 9×25mm Mauser Pistol File:Flag of the German Empire.svg German Empire [4]
Webley Revolver File:Webley IMG 6789.jpg .455 Webley Revolver File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom [5]
M1911 File:M1911A1.png .45 ACP Pistol File:Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg United States Known to be used in some quantities from 1969-98.[6]
Taurus PT92 File:TaurusPT92.jpg 9×19mm Parabellum Pistol File:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 Smuggled from Libya.[7]
Glock 17 File:Glock 17 2nd Gen.jpg 9×19mm Parabellum Pistol File:Flag of Austria.svg Austria Several smuggled from the US following the IRA's 1994 ceasefire.[8][9]

Rifles

Model Image Caliber Type Origin Details
Martini–Henry File:Martini-Henry m1871 - England - AM.032017.jpg .577/450 Martini–Henry Martini falling-block File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom In IRA inventory at the outset of The Troubles.[10]
Lee–Enfield File:Lee-Enfield No 4 Mk I (1943) - AM.032027.jpg .303 British Bolt action rifle File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom In IRA arsenal from the outset of the Troubles.[11][12][13] Continued limited usage by the IRA into the late 1970s.[14] Loaded .303 rifles found by Irish security forces at an IRA training camp in Kilkelly, County Mayo, as late as 1985; Lee-Enfield reportedly still in active use in sniper role in late 1980s.[4][15]
Gewehr 98 File:Gewehr 98 noBG.jpg 7.92×57mm Mauser Bolt action rifle File:Flag of the German Empire.svg German Empire [16][17]
M1 carbine File:M1 Carbine Mk I - USA - Armémuseum.jpg .30 Carbine Semi-automatic Carbine File:Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg United States [18][13]
M1 Garand File:M1-Garand-Rifle.jpg .30-06 Springfield Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg United States Imported to Ireland in large numbers from 1970 onwards.[14] Still in widespread general use in early 1980s.[19]
AR-15 File:Colt AR-15 SP1 Swedish Army Museum 001-2.jpg 5.56×45mm NATO Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Smuggled to Ireland by the Harrison Network.[20]
AR-180 File:Sterling Armament AR-180.JPG 5.56×45mm NATO Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Semi-Automatic variant of the AR-18.[14]
L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle File:SLRL1A1.jpg 7.62×51mm NATO Battle rifle File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Rifles taken from the British Army.[4][14]
FN FAL File:FN-FAL belgian.jpeg 7.62×51mm NATO Battle rifle File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium [20]
SKS File:Simonov-SKS-45.JPG 7.62×39mm Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
File:Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg China		 Rifles used were of Chinese manufacture and had been originally supplied to the Palestinian Liberation Organization.[21]
Remington Model 742 File:Remington Model 742, caliber .280 Remington.jpg .30-06 Springfield, .308 Winchester Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Remington Model 742 and various other civilian hunting rifles.[14][22]
Ruger Mini-14 File:Ruger Mini-14 GB NB.jpg 5.56×45mm NATO Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States [1]
Preetz Model 65 .22 Long Rifle Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of Germany.svg West Germany Several smuggled from continental Europe in 1974.[23]
Valmet M62/S File:RK62.jpg 7.62×39mm Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of Finland.svg Finland Example found by British soldier in possession of a woman in the Ardoyne area of Belfast in 1976. Serial number traced rifle to Harrison Network.[24]
Gewehr 43 File:Gewehr 43 noBG.jpg 7.92×57mm Mauser Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg Nazi Germany Example found by Irish security forces at Buncrana in County Donegal in 1976, serial number traced to Harrison Network.[24] Example also demonstrated at an IRA training camp in 1983.[1]
Beretta BM 59 File:Bm59.jpg 7.62×51mm NATO Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy [25]
FN Model 1949 File:FN49left.jpg 7×57mm Mauser Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium Surplus Venezuelan contract rifles.[26][27]
M14 File:M14 Stand-off Munitions Disruptor (SMUD) (7414626342).jpg 7.62×51mm NATO Battle rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Smuggled to Ireland by the Harrison Network, seized upon arrival.[20]
M1A File:M1A Kafziel.jpg 7.62×51mm NATO Semi-automatic rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States [19]
Stgw. 57 File:F ass 57.JPG 7.5×55mm Swiss Battle rifle File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Switzerland Rifle found in IRA safehouse and bomb factory in Liverpool, England in 1975.[28][29] Example also appeared in IRA arms shipment from the United States in the early 1980s.[19]
Heckler & Koch G3 File:G3a3 edit.png 7.62×51mm NATO Battle rifle File:Flag of Germany.svg West Germany Several traced to batch of 100 stolen from Norwegian Reserve base near Oslo in May 1984.[30][20] Already reportedly in IRA inventory as early as 1981 and used in attacks.[31][1][32]

Assault rifles

Model Image Caliber Type Origin Details
M16 File:M16a2-final.png 5.56×45mm NATO Assault rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Smuggled to Ireland by the Harrison Network.[20]
AK-47 File:AK47.jpg 7.62×39mm Assault rifle File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 Small numbers reported in IRA inventory by 1976.[33] Several attempts at importing from the Middle East and United States foiled in 1970s.[20] Used in attacks and at training camps from at least 1983.[34][1] Provided by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi 1985-1986.[5] 1,000 rifles seized by French security forces aboard the Libyan arms freighter Eksund in 1987. IRA believed to still have approximately 650 AK-47/AKM rifles in inventory in 1992.[20]
Vz. 58 File:Sa 58-JH01.jpg 7.62×39mm Assault rifle File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechoslovak Socialist Republic
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 Large haul of vz.58 rifles found in intercepted Libyan arms shipments in 1970s.[35] Vz. 58 reportedly acquired by IRA later and used in incident in which an Irish Army soldier and Garda officer were killed at Derrada Wood, Ballinamore, County Leitrim in December 1983.[36] Six rifles found in a car stopped at permanent British Army checkpoint on the main Dublin-Road in 1988, Libyan connection suspected.[37][38] Example found in a hidden IRA arms dump in Newry, County Down, in 1989.[39] Weapons described as "Czech versions" of the AK-47/AKM were reportedly part of mid-1980s arms shipments from Libya.[5]
SIG SG 540 5.56×45mm NATO Assault rifle File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Switzerland Used in Derry in 1984, reportedly taken from an INLA arms cache.[40]
CAR-15 Commando File:USAF GAU-5A.jpg 5.56×45mm NATO Assault rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States [1]
FN CAL File:FN CAL close1.JPG 5.56×45mm NATO Assault rifle File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium Used by the South Armagh Brigade from at least 1983.[41] FN CAL rifle used in killing of IPLO member in Newry in 1991 linked to 1985 attacks on British Army helicopters in South Armagh.[42][43] The IRA reported using "Cal semi-automatic rifles" in an attack in north Antrim in 1985[44] and in Belfast in 1987.[45]
FN FNC File:FNC IMG 1527.jpg 5.56×45mm NATO Assault rifle File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium First documented in IRA armoury in early 1985[46] notably before some regular militaries who had ordered the FNC.[47] Widespread usage[47] with forty examples recovered by British security forces by 1991.[48]
PM md. 63 File:PMmd.1963.jpg 7.62×39mm Assault rifle File:Flag of Romania (1965–1989).svg Romania
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 Romanian variant of Russian AK-47 and AKM. Provided by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. AIM models used.[49]
AK-74 File:Ak74l.png 5.45×39mm Assault rifle File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 A 5.45×39mm round was extracted from a British soldier shot in an IRA ambush in August 1992 in County Tyrone. Security sources suspected the IRA had acquired AK-74 rifles in the former Soviet bloc, or it was part of an earlier Libyan shipment.[50][51]
AN-94 File:AN-94 assault rifle at Engineering Technologies 2012.jpg 5.45×39mm Assault rifle File:Flag of Russia.svg Russia Reportedly, the IRA purchased at least 20 examples in late 2001.[52]

Sniper rifles

Model Image Caliber Type Origin Details
Barrett M82 File:Barrett-M82A1-Independence-Day-2017-IZE-048-white.jpg .50 BMG Anti-materiel rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Used during the South Armagh Sniper campaign.[53]
Barrett M90 .50 BMG Anti-materiel rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Used during the South Armagh Sniper campaign.[54]
Tejas rifle File:TejasRifleMockup.png .50 BMG Anti-materiel rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Bolt-action .50 BMG rifle[55] manufactured by former Barret employee Ron Freshour of Texas.[54] Dubbed the "Tejas rifle" by security forces and media after being seized in Belfast with "Tejas" found engraved on stock.[56]
V-94 File:ОСВ-96 12,7-мм снайперская винтовка - МАКС-2009 01.jpg 12.7×108mm Anti-materiel rifle File:Flag of Russia.svg Russia Intelligence reports suggested the IRA had imported weapons from Estonia following their 1994 ceasefire, including the V-94 12.7mm sniper rifle.[57]
Dragunov File:SVD Dragunov.jpg 7.62×54mmR Designated marksman rifle File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union 1993 newspaper report alleged IRA was in possession of the rifle.[58] Attempt to smuggle Dragunov rifles from the USA in late 1990s foiled by the FBI.[59]
Ruger M77 File:M77 Ruger (1).JPG .308 Winchester Sniper rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States [60]
FN Model 30-11 7.62×51mm NATO Sniper rifle File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium Recovered by British security forces from an IRA arms haul in West Belfast in 1992.[61][62]

Submachine guns

Model Image Caliber Type Origin Details
Thompson File:Submachine gun M1928 Thompson.jpg .45 ACP Submachine Gun File:Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg United States Used from the outset of the Troubles, including some from the IRA in the 1920s[14] and also the later simplified M1 model.[63] Less common by the late 1970s but reportedly still seeing usage in early 1980s.[64]
Sten File:Pistolet maszynowy STEN, Muzeum Orła Białego.jpg 9×19mm Parabellum Submachine Gun File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom [65]
M3 File:M3-SMG.jpg .45 ACP Submachine Gun File:Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg United States Regular and suppressed versions.[26]
MP-40 File:MP 40 AYF 3.JPG 9×19mm Parabellum Submachine Gun File:Flag of Germany (1935–1945).svg Nazi Germany [66]
Carl Gustaf m/45 File:Kpist m 45B Jvm21378 (2).jpg 9×19mm Parabellum Submachine Gun File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden Some examples stolen from the Irish Army.[14]
United Defense M42 File:United Defence M42.jpg 9×19mm Parabellum Submachine Gun File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Given to the IRA by Greek Cypriot group EOKA.[14][4]
Sterling File:Sterling SMG2.JPG 9×19mm Parabellum Submachine Gun File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom [14]
F1 File:Australian soldier with a F1 submachine gun during training in 1967.jpg 9×19mm Parabellum Submachine Gun File:Flag of Australia (converted).svg Australia Single gun stolen from the Australian Army in Adelaide in 1972. Recovered from safehouse of Belfast IRA commander Brendan Hughes in 1974.[67][68]
Sa vz. 23 File:Samopal Vz 25.JPG 7.62×25mm Tokarev Submachine gun File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechoslovak Socialist Republic [69]
Vigneron File:Vigneron machine gun IMG 1529nc.jpg 9×19mm Parabellum Submachine gun File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium [70]
Uzi File:Uzi 1.jpg 9×19mm Parabellum Submachine Gun File:Flag of Israel.svg Israel [71][1]
MAC-10 File:MAC10.jpg .45 ACP Submachine Gun File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Seized from the Harrison Network by the FBI in 1981.[20]
Beretta M12 9×19mm Parabellum Submachine Gun File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy [1]
Škorpion vz. 61 File:Submachine gun vz61.jpg .32 ACP Submachine Gun File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czechoslovak Socialist Republic
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 Several seized aboard the Libyan arms freighter Eksund in 1987, reportedly fitted with silencers.[72] Separately, examples confiscated from the INLA and IPLO in late 1980s and early 1990s.[73]

Machine guns

Model Image Caliber Type Origin Details
Vickers machine gun File:Vickers Machine Gun YORCM CA78ac (cropped).jpg .303 British Medium machine gun File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Stolen along with other firearms (including Bren guns) during raid on Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil (FCA) barracks in Midleton, County Cork, in February 1970.[74]
Lewis gun File:Lewis Gun (derivated).jpg .303 British Light machine gun File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom One used intensively by the IRA in the Ballymurphy area of Belfast in 1972,[75][76] captured by British Army in February 1977.[77] Another Lewis gun was found in an IRA arms dump outside Kildare in January 1990.[78][79]
Besa machine gun File:Besa machine gun.JPG 7.92×57mm Mauser Medium machine gun File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Four Besa machine guns found in IRA arms dump outside Kildare in January 1990.[78][79]
Bren gun File:Bren1.jpg .303 British Light machine gun File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Widespread usage in 1970s.[5] Still in IRA arsenal as of 2005, according to IICD chairman General John de Chastelain.[80]
M1919 Browning File:Browning M1919a.png .30-06 Springfield Medium machine gun File:Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg United States [14]
FN FALO File:Israeli Heavy Barrel FAL, note the hinged buttplate.jpg 7.62×51mm NATO Squad automatic weapon File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium [81][82]
M60 File:M60.jpg 7.62×51mm NATO General-purpose machine gun File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Six M60s and forty-six[83] M16s stolen in raid on National Guard armoury in Danvers, Massachusetts in August 1976 by the Irish and Italian mafias and purchased by the Harrison Network. Five M60s arrived in Ireland in late 1977, sixth delayed to 1979.[84][85][86] Two more M60s seized by police in large weapons shipment at Dublin port in 1979.[84]
MG3 File:BundeswehrMG3 noBG.png 7.62×51mm NATO General-purpose machine gun File:Flag of Germany.svg West Germany Stolen from the Norwegian Army in 1984, security sources theorised an unknown quantity of MG3s were smuggled to Ireland in the late 1980s/early 1990s.[87] Example recovered from an IRA unit arrested in County Donegal in September 1992.[88]
FN MAG File:FN MAG white background.jpg 7.62×51mm NATO General-purpose machine gun File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 The IRA imported forty MAGs from Libya in the 1980s.[89] British licensed-built L7 version captured from a British Army unit in Tyrone in 1992.[90]
M2 Browning File:M2 Browning, Musée de l'Armée.jpg .50 BMG Heavy machine gun File:Flag of the United States (1912-1959).svg United States First publicly displayed by the IRA in 1977.[91] IRA believed to have smuggled at least two examples into Ireland and used in several attacks on British helicopters in the 1980s.[90] Example found with ammunition by security forces in IRA arms dump in West Belfast in 1986.[92]
DShK File:Mitraliera DShK UM Cugir.jpg 12.7×108mm Heavy machine gun File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 Security forces estimated the IRA imported twenty-six DShK machine guns from Libya in 1980s.[20]

Shotguns

Model Image Caliber Type Origin Details
Franchi SPAS-12 File:Franchi SPAS 12 Grip Safety.jpeg 12-gauge Combat shotgun File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy Example recovered by British security forces after the Loughgall ambush in 1987.[89] Examples recovered from an IRA arms bunker near Strabane in 1988[93] and an IRA arms dump in north County Donegal in 1989[82][81] Example recovered near Letterkenny in 1992 by Gardaí from an IRA unit captured while preparing for a large-scale attack.[94] Examples were also found in an arms hide in Belfast in 1990[95] and in a large arms dump at an IRA base in north London in 1990.[96] According to former senior IRA member and British informer Declan Casey, the IRA's West Tyrone Brigade favoured the SPAS-12 for close-range attacks.[58]

Explosives

Model Image Type Origin Details
IED File:Semtex H 1.jpg Improvised explosive device File:Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland The IRA employed ANFO, Gelignite, Goma-2[97] and Semtex.[98][99]
Molotov cocktail File:Euromaidan in Kiev 2014-02-19 11-43.jpg Incendiary device File:Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland
Mk 2 File:MkII 07.JPG Hand Grenade File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States [26]
M67 grenade File:M67b.jpg Hand Grenade File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Examples discovered in a large hidden arms bunker under a farm outhouse in Gormanston, County Meath in 1991.[100]
F-1 grenade File:F1 grenade DoD.jpg Hand Grenade File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 Used in IRA attacks in early 1980s.[101] At least 600 F1 grenades were seized aboard the freighter Eksund in 1987.[102]
RGD-5 File:Rgd 5 hand grenade.jpeg Hand Grenade File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union A quantity was found by British security forces in Derry in 1988.[103]

Grenade launchers

Model Image Cartridge Type Origin Details
M79 File:M79 Grenade Launcher (7414625716).jpg 40×46mm grenade Grenade launcher File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States A single example discovered in a large hidden arms bunker under a farm outhouse in Gormanston, County Meath in 1991.[104] In 1981 the Harrison Network was trying to acquire 40 mm grenades suitable for an M79 grenade launcher, according to FBI testimony.[105]

Anti-tank weapons

Model Image Caliber Type Origin Details
Boys Anti-tank Rifle File:Boys Mk I AT Rifle.jpg .55 Boys Anti-tank rifle File:Flag of the United Kingdom.svg United Kingdom Two examples[25] recovered, one in Belfast in late 1971[106] and another in Derry following Operation Motorman in 1972.[107] Derry rifle linked to attack on British Army Saracen APC.[25] .55 rounds found in hidden IRA arms dump in County Donegal in early 1974.[108]
Solothurn S-18/1000 File:Solo 41.jpg 20×138mmB Anti-tank rifle File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg Switzerland In August 1971 the search of a farmhouse outside Cookstown, County Tyrone, by the British Army and RUC uncovered IRA training literature, including a manual for a "Solothurn 20mm anti-tank rifle."[109] IRA unit employed a Solothurn 20mm anti-tank rifle in a battle with the British Army along the County Louth border in January 1972, later captured by Gardaí.[110] Solothurn S-18/1000 seized at New York home of IRA gun runner George Harrison in June 1981.[105][111] Crate of 20×138mmB Solothurn ammunition found in IRA arms dump outside Kildare in 1990.[79]
M20 "Super Bazooka" File:M20-bazooka-batey-haosef-1.jpg 3.5 in (88.9 mm) Rocket launcher File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Several imported from the United States in the late 1950s but first employed by the IRA in late 1971, in Belfast. Supplanted by the RPG-7.[5][112][113]
RPG-7 File:RPG-7 detached.jpg 40mm (launcher only, warhead diameter varies) Rocket-propelled grenade File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 25 launchers and 496 warheads smuggled to Ireland from Libya in late 1972[114] and further shipments from Libya in 1985-1987. Attempted import from Lebanon intercepted in Antwerp in 1977.[20] First used in 1972, with nearly two hundred attacks involving the RPG-7 recorded by 1981.[115] The IRA was believed to still have upwards of 40 launchers in inventory in 1992.[89]
Pansarvärnsgevär m/42 File:Pansarvärnsgevär m1942 Swedish Army Museum 01.png 20×180mm R Recoilless rifle/Anti-tank rifle File:Flag of Sweden.svg Sweden Fired on at least three occasions in Belfast in 1983.[116][117] Example discovered in an IRA arms dump in County Cavan in March 1988.[118]
M40 recoilless rifle File:M40 105 mm RR.jpg 105mm Recoilless rifle File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Several seized during the capture of Libyan arms aboard the freighter Eksund in 1987.[119][72][102]
Improvised Projected Grenade unknown, 40 ounces (1.1 kg) Semtex and TNT Improvised launcher File:Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland First appeared in 1985. Heavy recoil left bruising on operator's shoulder. Succeeded by the Projected Recoilless Improvised Grenade.[120]
Drogue bomb Unknown Anti-tank grenade File:Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland Anti-armour grenade manufactured by the IRA. First appeared in late 1987. Design resembled a WW1-era German hand grenade, with a tin can filled with Semtex with a handle and a parachute device. Parachute ensured a copper cone attached to the top was the first point of contact, facilitating a shaped charge effect.[74]
Projected Recoilless Improvised Grenade unknown, 1-pound (0.45 kg) tin can filled with 600g of Semtex formed into a shaped charge Improvised launcher File:Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland First appeared in 1991. Design, including a counter-balance mechanism, believed to have been inspired by the Armbrust launcher.[120]
Raufoss Mk 211 File:Raufoss NM140 MP (en).svg .50 BMG Multi-purpose armor-piercing projectile File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Several smuggled from the United States in the late 1990s.[59]

Anti-aircraft weapons

Model Image Diameter Type Origin Details
9K32 Strela-2 File:SA-7.jpg 72mm Man-portable air-defense system File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 Designated SA-7 Grail by NATO. Most shipments of Grails to Northern Ireland seized in 1987.[121] Some later sold to ETA.[122]

Flamethrowers

Model Image Type Origin Details
M2 File:M2FlamethrowerVWM02.jpg Flamethrower File:Flag of the United States (23px).png United States Single example seized at New York home of IRA gun runner George Harrison in June 1981.[105][111]
LPO-50 File:LPO-50 Flamethrower description.jpg Flamethrower File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 IRA acquired ten flamethrowers from Libya in the 1980s.[123] Used in assault on border base in County Fermanagh in 1989.[5] LPO-50 found in Belfast by security forces before it could be used in late 1988,[124] example also discovered in Derry in 1989[125] and in County Meath in 1994.[126]
Self-propelled flamethrower File:Slurry spreading, Welsh style - geograph.org.uk - 1016852.jpg Improvised flamethrower File:Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland Improvised flamethrower using a liquid manure spreader filled with fuel mix.[127] Employed in a number of attacks on British Army fortifications in the early 1990s.[128][129]

Mortars

Model Image Caliber Type Origin Details
Barrack buster File:Barrack buster feb 2010.jpg 360mm Improvised mortar File:Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland "Barrack buster" most powerful of a series of IRA home-made mortars from early 1970s onwards. British military analysts assessed the conventional-style bipod and baseplate 60mm "Mark 6" model in 1993 as "extremely well-made and may easily be mistaken for military models."[130][131]
M-37 File:Zagan 82 mm moździerz wz 37.jpg 82mm Infantry mortar File:Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Soviet Union
File:Flag of Libya (1977–2011).svg Libya		 Several (reportedly 12) seized aboard the Libyan arms freighter Eksund in 1987.[132][133]

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Five Days In An IRA Training Camp". Iris. November 1983. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  2. ↑ Mikolus, Simmons, Edward, Susan (1997). Terrorism, 1992-1995: A Chronology of Events and a Selectively Annotated Bibliography. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 9780313304682.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ↑ "Martin McGuinness using a Luger pistol".
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Bradley, Fenney, Gerry, Brian (2012). Insider: Gerry Bradley's Life in the IRA. The O'Brien Press. ISBN 9781847174550.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 Oppenheimer, A. R. (2009). IRA: The Bombs and The Bullets. A History of Deadly Ingenuity. Irish Academic Press, chapter 4. ISBN 978-0-7165-2895-1
  6. ↑ French (2018), p. 94.
  7. ↑ "Marita Ann Arms Transfer". RTÉ Archives.
  8. ↑ Suzanne Breen (26 August 2015). "Smuggler: I regret sending guns to Provos". Belfasttelegraph. Archived from the original on 17 May 2023. Retrieved 30 November 2021.
  9. ↑ Holtom, Paul; James, Paul; Patmore, Connor, From the IRA to ISIS: Exploring terrorist access to the UK's illicit firearms market (PDF), archived from the original (PDF) on 16 May 2023, retrieved 30 June 2022
  10. ↑ Ó Faoleán, Gearóid (2019). A Broad Church: The Provisional IRA in the Republic of Ireland, 1969-1980. Irish Academic Press. ISBN 9781785372452.
  11. ↑ Hopper, Tristin (17 August 2018). "Why the 114-year-old Lee-Enfield rifle is only now being retired by the Canadian Armed Forces | National Post". National Post. Archived from the original on 14 June 2023.
  12. ↑ Jackson, George. "IRA quiescent during killings, says Derry OC". The Irish Times. Archived from the original on 14 June 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 The Troubles #14 (June 1972), page 31.
  14. ↑ 14.00 14.01 14.02 14.03 14.04 14.05 14.06 14.07 14.08 14.09 "The Rifles of the IRA". Magill. 1 March 1978. Retrieved 26 October 2021.
  15. ↑ "Kilkelly an IRA training camp - Gardaí", Mayo News, 20 March 1985.
  16. ↑ Belfast Telegraph, 26 April 1983.
  17. ↑ McCann, Sean (1972). The Fighting Irish. Frewin. ISBN 9780856320071.
  18. ↑ Taylor, Peter (1997). Provos The IRA & Sinn Féin. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 109. ISBN 0-7475-3818-2.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Crawley, John (2022). The Yank: The True Story of a Former US Marine in the Irish Republican Army. ABC-CLIO. ISBN 9781612199856.
  20. ↑ 20.00 20.01 20.02 20.03 20.04 20.05 20.06 20.07 20.08 20.09 "Inside the Ira - Weapons & Technology | the Ira & Sinn Fein | FRONTLINE | PBS". PBS. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023.
  21. ↑ "NIO document" (PDF). CAIN. 1987. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 May 2023. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  22. ↑ "Improvised Weapons of the Irish Underground (Ulster)". www.smallarmsreview.com. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  23. ↑ "NEW GUNS IN IRA'S ARMOURY", Belfast Telegraph, 3 April 1974.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 Ryder, Chris (1990). The RUC: A Force Under Fire. Mandarin. ISBN 9780749302856.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 25.2 Barzilay, David (1978). The British Army in Ulster, Volume 3. Century Services Limited. ISBN 9780903152068.
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 "Big IRA weapons seizure", Irish Independent, 1 October 1993.
  27. ↑ de Búrca, Aoibhín (2014). Preventing Political Violence Against Civilians: Nationalist Militant Conflict in Northern Ireland, Israel And Palestine. Springer. ISBN 9781137433800.
  28. ↑ Belfast News Letter, 12 May 1976.
  29. ↑ Liverpool Daily Post, 12 May 1976.
  30. ↑ The Irish Times, 20 February 1986.
  31. ↑ Belfast Telegraph, 9 September 1982.
  32. ↑ Belfast Telegraph, 20 November 1983.
  33. ↑ The Irish Times, 11 May 1976.
  34. ↑ Collins, Eamon (1997). Killing Rage. Granta Books. ISBN 9781862070080.
  35. ↑ "IRA turns to East for tools of terror", Irish Independent, 27 January 1986.
  36. ↑ Irish Press, 11 January 1988.
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  39. ↑ "Inside Ulster". BBC Rewind.
  40. ↑ "'Terrorist arsenal' find", Derry Journal, 25 September 1984.
  41. ↑ "The Greatest Escape". Iris:The Republican Magazine Number 18. 1993. Archived from the original on 21 June 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2023.
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  43. ↑ Clarke, Liam, M. Kathryn, Johnston (2001). Martin McGuinness: From Guns to Government. Mainstream. ISBN 9781840184730.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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  45. ↑ "IRA Alert Over Twelfth". The Irish People. 2 July 1987. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
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  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Urban, Mark (2012). Big Boys' Rules: The SAS and the Secret Struggle Against the IRA. Faber & Faber. ISBN 9780571266685.
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  49. ↑ "Analysis of ÓnaÉ Video". 18 August 2014. Archived from the original on 16 May 2023.
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  51. ↑ "Arms cache may contain Russian AKS-74 automatic rifles". 10 September 1992. Archived from the original on 5 January 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
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  53. ↑ Neville, Leigh (25 August 2016). Modern Snipers. General Military. Osprey Publishing. pp. 30–31. ISBN 9781472815347.
  54. ↑ 54.0 54.1 Harnden, Toby (2000) Bandit Country:The IRA and South Armagh. Coronet Books, pp. 406-407. ISBN 0-340-71737-8
  55. ↑ "Provos' supergun seized by Army", Newcastle Journal, 18 August 1993.
  56. ↑ "Police tracked IRA sniper rifle", Sunday Life, 22 August 1993.
  57. ↑ Geraghty, Tony (1998). The Irish War: The Hidden Conflict Between the IRA and British Intelligence. JHU Press. ISBN 9780801864568.
  58. ↑ 58.0 58.1 "The killing machines...", Sunday Life, 25 July 1993.
  59. ↑ 59.0 59.1 Suzanne Breen (27 April 2014). "The weapons man: 'I gave the IRA powerful anti-tank shells the US Army used in Iraq war'". Belfasttelegraph. Archived from the original on 12 December 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  60. ↑ "X-ray device to block IRA postal arms route", Irish Independent, 14 April 1989.
  61. ↑ "Month in Focus", Police Beat, Volume 14 No. 2, Police Federation for Northern Ireland, 1992
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  65. ↑ Dobson, Payne, Christopher, Ronald (1979). The Weapons of Terror: International Terrorism at Work. Springer. ISBN 9781349161119.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  66. ↑ Taylor, Peter (1997). Provos The IRA & Sinn Féin. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 62. ISBN 0-7475-3818-2.
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  68. ↑ "Parliament of Australia, Hansard, Australian Service Weapons: Security (Question No.1402)". Parliament of Australia.
  69. ↑ "THE CZECH VZ23 FAMILY OF SUBMACHINE GUNS". November 2009. Archived from the original on 22 September 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  70. ↑ "The Belgium Vigneron SMG: Belgium's Little Known Submachine Gun". June 2000. Archived from the original on 1 September 2018. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  71. ↑ "Where did the Adidas Tracksuit Wearing IRA Gunmen Get Their Gear?". 14 September 2020. Archived from the original on 16 May 2023. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  72. ↑ 72.0 72.1 "Arms haul crucial to IRA strategy", Evening Herald, 4 November 1987.
  73. ↑ Mcdonald, Holland, Henry, Jack (2016). I.N.L.A - Deadly Divisions. Poolbeg Press Ltd. ISBN 9781842234389.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  74. ↑ 74.0 74.1 Ó Faoleán, Gearóid (2019). A Broad Church: The Provisional IRA in the Republic of Ireland, 1969-1980. Irish Academic Press. ISBN 9781785372452.
  75. ↑ Moloney, Ed (31 March 2010). Voices from the Grave: Two Men's War in Ireland. Faber & Faber. ISBN 9780571253203.(Print-disabled)
  76. ↑ Mullholland, Marc (2003). Northern Ireland: A Very Short Introduction. OUP Oxford. ISBN 9780191579196.
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  133. ↑ Jane's Infantry Weapons 2001–2002, Jane's Information Group, 2000

Bibliography

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