While I realise that this is purely academic, what fighter aircraft currently available or in final development would be an acceptable option for Ireland to operate, on cost and maintenance grounds I'm asking you to restrict it to lightweight types, (this is jus tone of those threads to help me argue my pro defence spending arguments a little better. and because I'm bored)
What comes to mind for me is the following selection:
F-5S/T Showing their age but at least as capable and durable as the Mig-21BIS, going at around E9m at the moment, this would be my choice if we suddenly turned into a nation non cowards overnight and needed something in the next 3 years.
In the slightly more realistic (slightly) case of fighters being considered at the end of a 7-10 year regeneration project at Baldonnel, I'd look at the F-5s likely successor the M-346 and the two seat/trainer MB-346,
other options that spring to mind are the KAI T-50 (more expensive) MAKO about which I know nothing and Hawk 200, which is awfully expensive for a converted trainer with a bunch of extra avionics stuffed in the back seat and nose.
Go nuts
What comes to mind for me is the following selection:
F-5S/T Showing their age but at least as capable and durable as the Mig-21BIS, going at around E9m at the moment, this would be my choice if we suddenly turned into a nation non cowards overnight and needed something in the next 3 years.
In the slightly more realistic (slightly) case of fighters being considered at the end of a 7-10 year regeneration project at Baldonnel, I'd look at the F-5s likely successor the M-346 and the two seat/trainer MB-346,
other options that spring to mind are the KAI T-50 (more expensive) MAKO about which I know nothing and Hawk 200, which is awfully expensive for a converted trainer with a bunch of extra avionics stuffed in the back seat and nose.
Go nuts
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