When considering any air defence fighter or ground based system one must first access the threat level. Only countries that could possibly reach us are within EU/NATO and not realistically a threat in the foreseeable future. Also they UK/France/Spain/Germany have vastly larger air forces than we could ever have with our population and GDP so buying 10 F16's or whatever would make no difference in the event UK attacked us. Only reason to buy a modern fighter aircraft would to be contribute a squadron to a larger EU/NATO air defence for Europe in light of possible Russian expansion.
Some helicopters that could go overseas with EU/UN missions is a possibility but in the current ecomonic climate is a long way away.
Also helicopters could be used at home for SAR/ Assistance to the Civil Power in the event of natural disaster. i.e how many choppers could we make available in the event of a major natural disaster or would we look to the RAF or USAF for this.
Ireland's current security threat comes from within on a national level and possibly from a increased conflict level between Europe and Russia. and i don't think Russia would differentate between EU and NATO.
Some helicopters that could go overseas with EU/UN missions is a possibility but in the current ecomonic climate is a long way away.
Also helicopters could be used at home for SAR/ Assistance to the Civil Power in the event of natural disaster. i.e how many choppers could we make available in the event of a major natural disaster or would we look to the RAF or USAF for this.
Ireland's current security threat comes from within on a national level and possibly from a increased conflict level between Europe and Russia. and i don't think Russia would differentate between EU and NATO.
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