Door Opened For Some Irish Air Force Whifs!

[Geoff]

Going back a bit I always thought the F-5A/B would have been a good match. Perhaps mainly 2 seaters which are fully operational, so not just trainers. Alternatively obtain a batch of the upgraded CF-5D's. as they were retired early, and would act as a lead in for possible legacy Hornets at some point???

[NARSES2]

As for the Irish Armed Forces manpower shortages ? In the old days (50/60/70/80's) they could simply have asked all those serving in the British Army to come home  Not sure what the situation is now, but there's still a fair few.

[PR19_Kit]

While chatting to the crew of an IAC CN235 at Fairford a few years ago, the Captain said that 1/2 his crew were ex-RAF.

He reckoned they got excellent training over here, and then went home and put it to good use. 

[Geoff]

As a neutral country SAAB 29 Tunnans would be a good start with an update of Sidewinders - just a thought.

[Beermonster58]

I'm thinking that the Alenia M. 346 might be a decent contender.

[comrade harps]

l think that we can reasonably forget MiG or Sukhoi tender submissions for the foreseeable future. Typhoon would be too expensive (as Austria has discovered) and the same for Rafale. Used F-16AM/BMs or F-16Vs (new or 2nd hand and upgraded) or Gripens (possibly leased) or ex-French Mirage 2000Cs (getting old though). Ex-Finish Hornets after their replacement? Would want NATO compatibility, so JF-17 and Tejas are out, but F/A-50 Golden Eagle would be a good fit.

[perttime]

... Ex-Finish Hornets after their replacement?...

I believe the airframes would need pretty extensive overhauls by that time. That could get expensive.

[kitbasher]

Gripens.

[Weaver]

Two years later, same advice:

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/irelands-defence-review-urges-stronger-defence-capabilities/

[kitbasher]

More Gripens

[Geoff]

Just a thought a few years ago when the Czechs moved onto Grippens perhaps the CzAF "donates" their NATO capable Mig-21, or perhaps Romanian Lancers ?

[PR19_Kit]

Like Dave said......................

[jcf]

After reading the document it makes anything like Gripens etc. very unlikely. There is heavy emphasis on cyberwar, hybrid-war, maritime surveillance and
control radar and UAS use and defense. Add in an intent to update/expand ground forces; continue with the current new multi-use patrol vessel buys while exploring even greater capability in that area; expand maritime fixed and rotary wing assets; an increased commitment to expanded overseas
deployments in peacekeeping etc. and it becomes clear that a handful of expensive go-fast toys would suck up a large slice of the budget with minimal ROI.
Internal security to deal with espionage, terrorism, organized crime and civil unrest are also stated priorities - the last being important because of
the way cyber and war hybrid can play into the creation of unrest by targeted propaganda and the creation of false narratives.
Overall, fast jets and tanker capability, both having more to do with force projection, are conspicuous by their absence.
Radar, drones and bytes seem to be the focus.

2024 Defense Review - Eire

[scooter]

So MQ-4C Tritons supporting P-8s?

[jcf]

So MQ-4C Tritons supporting P-8s?

P-8s are unlikely as Ireland is already operating the MPA version of the Airbus C295, they're in the process of replacing their older CN-235s, so it's more likely that they'll go for the MPA/ASW version
of the C295, or add its capabilities to the aircraft they already purchased. The P-8 would require a massive expenditure for purchase and operational support costs would be a continuing expense.
The Lockheed P-3 is still being used by a number of countries so it would be a definite possibility
for an expanded Irish Air Corps maritime patrol fleet.