Ireland gears up for defense shift with fighter jet purchase
Ireland does not have an air force, but provocations from Russia have prompted a change in its defense policy. For the first time in half a century, Dublin plans to purchase new fighter jets and build radar stations.
Ireland intends to allocate €2.5 billion (approximately $2.7 billion) to purchase eight fighter jets, with an option for an additional six of an undisclosed type. The country also plans to purchase a radar system and build radar stations in three locations.
This decision marks a shift in Ireland's previous airspace protection policy.
Ireland without combat aircraft
Ireland, like the Baltic countries, does not have its fighter jets. Although it has a military air force, it primarily consists of single transport and patrol aircraft units, such as the Airbus C295 and Pilatus PC-12.
Only eight training, propeller-driven Pilatus PC-9 aircraft provide limited capabilities for attacking ground targets, which can theoretically serve as light air support planes.
The last two Irish combat aircraft, the Fouga CM170 Magister (in the CM.173 Super Magister variant), were initially flown in 1952 and purchased from France between 1975 and 1976. They retired in 1999 after the disbandment of the combat Light Strike Squadron.
Ireland rebuilds lost capabilities
The 2015 Defense White Paper, which analyses Irish capabilities and makes future recommendations, highlights that Ireland lacks appropriate radar systems and is unable to intercept or detect aircraft violating its airspace.
As a result, the United Kingdom has been responsible for the security of Ireland's airspace under an agreement signed in 1952.
However, a series of provocations in recent years by Russian aircraft in the northwestern areas of Irish airspace and activities by Russian ships have prompted Dublin to decide to restore its ability to respond independently to threats and intercept intruders.
