If you look at all the expensive equipment the DF have, ie armour, aircraft and ships, that has been replaced in recent years, currently being replaced or needs replacing then the Naval Service have very little to complain about.
Almost all of the armour and aircraft retired in recent years were purchased in the 1960s and early 70s whereas the ships currently being replaced were built in the late 70s. The Alouette's entered service in 1963 and first replacement was not until 2006, the Panhard AML's entered service in 1964 and first replacement was not until 2007, 43 years service. In comparison LE Deirdre was decommissioned after just 29 years service and Emer after 35 years.
15 helicopters were replaced by just 8, 16 trainer aircraft by just 8, 71 Panhard and Timoney APC's were replaced by just 65 Mowag APC's, 52 AML's were replaced by just 15 CRV's and MRV's. The Mowag fleet was purchased with funds from the sale of Army property and lands, they're still waiting for the last 15 Mowag APC's since 2003 after the order was cut. The last of the AML's were retired last year with no replacements in sight and its very unlikely there will be any. The Cessna's are in service now for 42 years and the Minister says he is not going to fund replacements.
The Naval Service is very fortunate, even if the new ships are a few years later than originally promised.
Almost all of the armour and aircraft retired in recent years were purchased in the 1960s and early 70s whereas the ships currently being replaced were built in the late 70s. The Alouette's entered service in 1963 and first replacement was not until 2006, the Panhard AML's entered service in 1964 and first replacement was not until 2007, 43 years service. In comparison LE Deirdre was decommissioned after just 29 years service and Emer after 35 years.
15 helicopters were replaced by just 8, 16 trainer aircraft by just 8, 71 Panhard and Timoney APC's were replaced by just 65 Mowag APC's, 52 AML's were replaced by just 15 CRV's and MRV's. The Mowag fleet was purchased with funds from the sale of Army property and lands, they're still waiting for the last 15 Mowag APC's since 2003 after the order was cut. The last of the AML's were retired last year with no replacements in sight and its very unlikely there will be any. The Cessna's are in service now for 42 years and the Minister says he is not going to fund replacements.
The Naval Service is very fortunate, even if the new ships are a few years later than originally promised.
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