In response to a query from a reasonable member of the board (not newby) here is the List of ship requirements for the Modern Irish naval service. Call it the ultimate wish list, for current requirements.
The Wish list as mentioned came about before and after the white paper most notably from the Report to the Steering Group of the Irish Naval Service and Air Corps, A former Naval service senior officer both of these are on the web, but I cant remember where.
The Steering group recommended certain changes in the logistics and taskings of the Naval service, but with an 8 ship navy, with the then current (1998) fleet being replaced over 18 years at a cost of IR£195m with ships more suitably equipped for the role.
The former Naval officer, Peadar McElhinny, Pointed out that the Average Naval fleet in Europe was 88 ships, with the Belgians, who had territorial seas a fraction the size of our own have 18 vessels. Having 8 ships he said was the same as the Gardai having one Patrol car to cover the Whole Island of Ireland! The Naval service was looking for a minimum 15-ship fleet.
But by far the Beefiest wish list that made its way into the public domain was printed in the July/August issue of on Cosantoir in 1999.In an article written by one Greg Browne who had earlier written a similar piece about the Air Corps.
The requirements given the current tasks and responsibilities of the Naval service sought the following fleet, which isn't that far fetched really.
#4 Multi Purpose Guided Missile frigates equipped with Helicopter, SAM, SSM, CIWS and AS Torpedoes.
Capable of 30 kts these ships would require a crew of 150-200 and cost Between IR£200 and IR£250
Examples include the VSEL Frigate 2000,Chantiers de l'Atlantique Floreal and Meko 200
#4 P31 Helicopter carrying Frigates equipped with Helicopter,SAM and AS TT.
These frigates would require a crew of 85 and would cost approximately IR£55m
#4 P51 Corvettes upgraded to include SONAR,air/surface radar,SAM,AS TT and Minelaying capability
The Corvettes would require a crew of 60 and would cost IR£35m upgraded
#4 Minesweepers armed with CIWS and GAMB-01 Cannon performing a secondary coastal patrol function.
The Minesweepers would require a crew of 45 and cost IR£20m.Examples include the Lurssen 323 Class and the Fincantieri Gaeta
#A-17 Fleet replenishment Auxiliary.This Ocean capable vessel would be capable of undertaking replenishment in sea state 6 and would have facilities for 50 trainees. This vessel would have a crew of 120 plus an optional 50 trainees and would cost IR£60m
#A-18 Ocean Going Tug.Capable of Dive support Operations,150 tonne Bollard pull,and pollution control. The Ocean Going Tug would have a crew of 40 and would cost IR£25m
#A-19 Hydrographic Survey Vessel.A Specialist shallow Draft ship also capable of pollution control and drug interdiction. The ship would be crewed by 30-40 and would cost in the region of IR£20m
Nothing too fancy there,though the cost is a bit excessive,mostly because the Naval service has been neglected for so long,like everything else in this country. But the author ends with a quote from Richard Sharpe of Jane's Fighting Ships.
"An efficient Navy with a tradition of loyal service to the national government is a priceless asset which once squandered, will be difficult to reclaim."
The Wish list as mentioned came about before and after the white paper most notably from the Report to the Steering Group of the Irish Naval Service and Air Corps, A former Naval service senior officer both of these are on the web, but I cant remember where.
The Steering group recommended certain changes in the logistics and taskings of the Naval service, but with an 8 ship navy, with the then current (1998) fleet being replaced over 18 years at a cost of IR£195m with ships more suitably equipped for the role.
The former Naval officer, Peadar McElhinny, Pointed out that the Average Naval fleet in Europe was 88 ships, with the Belgians, who had territorial seas a fraction the size of our own have 18 vessels. Having 8 ships he said was the same as the Gardai having one Patrol car to cover the Whole Island of Ireland! The Naval service was looking for a minimum 15-ship fleet.
But by far the Beefiest wish list that made its way into the public domain was printed in the July/August issue of on Cosantoir in 1999.In an article written by one Greg Browne who had earlier written a similar piece about the Air Corps.
The requirements given the current tasks and responsibilities of the Naval service sought the following fleet, which isn't that far fetched really.
#4 Multi Purpose Guided Missile frigates equipped with Helicopter, SAM, SSM, CIWS and AS Torpedoes.
Capable of 30 kts these ships would require a crew of 150-200 and cost Between IR£200 and IR£250
Examples include the VSEL Frigate 2000,Chantiers de l'Atlantique Floreal and Meko 200
#4 P31 Helicopter carrying Frigates equipped with Helicopter,SAM and AS TT.
These frigates would require a crew of 85 and would cost approximately IR£55m
#4 P51 Corvettes upgraded to include SONAR,air/surface radar,SAM,AS TT and Minelaying capability
The Corvettes would require a crew of 60 and would cost IR£35m upgraded
#4 Minesweepers armed with CIWS and GAMB-01 Cannon performing a secondary coastal patrol function.
The Minesweepers would require a crew of 45 and cost IR£20m.Examples include the Lurssen 323 Class and the Fincantieri Gaeta
#A-17 Fleet replenishment Auxiliary.This Ocean capable vessel would be capable of undertaking replenishment in sea state 6 and would have facilities for 50 trainees. This vessel would have a crew of 120 plus an optional 50 trainees and would cost IR£60m
#A-18 Ocean Going Tug.Capable of Dive support Operations,150 tonne Bollard pull,and pollution control. The Ocean Going Tug would have a crew of 40 and would cost IR£25m
#A-19 Hydrographic Survey Vessel.A Specialist shallow Draft ship also capable of pollution control and drug interdiction. The ship would be crewed by 30-40 and would cost in the region of IR£20m
Nothing too fancy there,though the cost is a bit excessive,mostly because the Naval service has been neglected for so long,like everything else in this country. But the author ends with a quote from Richard Sharpe of Jane's Fighting Ships.
"An efficient Navy with a tradition of loyal service to the national government is a priceless asset which once squandered, will be difficult to reclaim."
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