The RAF is taking delivery of it's MQ-9B Protectors and there has been talking of a maritime patrol fit to augment the Poseidon (they can't afford more) the RN are also possibly interested.  Maybe the Irish could fleet share, or a combined purchase made to save on unit cost?

Quote from: Mossie on August 15, 2024, 01:57:16 PMThe RAF is taking delivery of it's MQ-9B Protectors and there has been talking of a maritime patrol fit to augment the Poseidon (they can't afford more) the RN are also possibly interested.  Maybe the Irish could fleet share, or a combined purchase made to save on unit cost?

A share arrangement would probably have to be under the auspices of NATO. 

It would probably have to be an extension of the notoriously shadowy air defence agreement between the UK and Ireland.

As one of the problems was the IAC being unable to escort or "intercept" Bears( ) entering their economic zone with PC-9s they still need a fast jet of some sort.
A deal with the UK would probably rankle with the Irish government to some degree, and not being in NATO means the Baltic policing type arrangement is a bit iffy. But they would need a NATO compatible system.
So a basic Eldis mobile system with 6 or 7 ex Czech AF Mig-21MFNs ( ) with Czech and Slovakian crews and ground crew under contract?  I am thinking of about 2006.
Yes I know - costs 
However I have the decals and the kit is on the way.
 

or Gripens of course................... 

Quote from: PR19_Kit on August 18, 2024, 07:11:35 AMor Gripens of course................... 

Oh yeah, but, , ,hmmmm. Leased Gripens 

Quote from: Geoff on August 18, 2024, 06:43:31 AMAs one of the problems was the IAC being unable to escort or "intercept" Bears( ) entering their economic zone with PC-9s they still need a fast jet of some sort.
A deal with the UK would probably rankle with the Irish government to some degree, and not being in NATO means the Baltic policing type arrangement is a bit iffy. But they would need a NATO compatible system.
So a basic Eldis mobile system with 6 or 7 ex Czech AF Mig-21MFNs ( ) with Czech and Slovakian crews and ground crew under contract?  I am thinking of about 2006.
Yes I know - costs 
However I have the decals and the kit is on the way.
 

There's an air defence agreement that's existed in some form since the fifties.  Very few people outside of high levels of the two governments and armed forces know the details.  It does rankle with some and every now and then a loud voice demands to know (I believe Sinn Fein was one of the  loudest recently). At best they're politely declined, but usually ignored.

Quote from: PR19_Kit on August 18, 2024, 07:11:35 AMor Gripens of course................... 

Two might be doable.

One in West Cork, the other in Donegal.