Ireland shifts defence stance with 2.5bn jet investment
Ireland does not currently have its own air force, but provocations from Russia have prompted a change in its defence policy. For the first time in half a century, Dublin plans to purchase new combat jets and construct radar stations.
Ireland plans to allocate 2.5 billion euros to purchase eight combat jets, with an option for an additional six of an undisclosed type. Furthermore, the country's authorities have resolved to invest in a radar system, with radar stations to be built at three locations.
This decision represents a significant shift in Ireland's previous policy regarding protecting its airspace.
Ireland without combat aircraft
Ireland, much like the Baltic countries, lacks its combat jets. Although it maintains a military aviation component, this consists solely of transport and patrol aircraft, such as the Airbus C295 or Pilatus PC-12.
The limited capability for ground attack is provided only by eight Pilatus PC-9 training aircraft, which are propeller-driven and can theoretically serve as light close air support aircraft.
The last two Irish combat aircraft, the Fouga CM170 Magister (in the CM.173 Super Magister variant), were phased out in 1999 with the disbanding of the Light Strike Squadron. These aircraft were initially flown in 1952 and purchased from France between 1975 and 1976.
Ireland rebuilds lost capabilities
As highlighted in the 2015 Defence White Paper, which analysed Ireland's military capabilities and recommended future actions, Ireland lacks appropriate radar systems and cannot intercept or even detect aircraft that violate its airspace.
Safety of Irish airspace has been the responsibility of the United Kingdom since an agreement was signed in 1952.
However, a series of provocations by Russian aircraft over the northwestern regions of Irish airspace in recent years, as well as the activity of Russian ships, have prompted Dublin to decide to restore the capability to independently respond to threats and intercept intruders.
