The latest upheaval in the international security architecture extends to the outermost edges of Europe. Against this backdrop, the Irish government has now specified its plans to invest up to €2.5 billion in the acquisition of its own fighter aircraft and the establishment of the first national primary radar network. The aim is to end decades of dependence on the British RAF for the protection of Irish airspace, which has been handled rather inconspicuously to date.
Defense Minister Simon Harris declared on March 1 that he was convinced of the need to procure fighter aircraft. This is essential to “deter and detect” threats from the air as part of the massive increase in defence spending. Harris also emphasized to the Irish Times that Ireland has “a lot of catching up to do” in this area.
Airspace safety: a long overdue debate
The Irish plans are not new. At the Slándáil 2020 security summit, the then head of the Irish Air Corps, General Ralph James, warned urgently: “Neutrality alone is not a defense strategy.” He emphasized that Ireland must be able to actively close its airspace to all sides in the event of a conflict. At present, the country is probably “the most vulnerable in Europe” in this respect.
With the planned investments, Ireland is now changing course in terms of security policy in order to guarantee its sovereignty in airspace surveillance in the long term.
Ireland plans “air police” with up to 14 jets
The Irish armed forces have drawn up initial cost estimates for the acquisition of fighter aircraft for “air policing”. The aim is to “ensure a rapid response capability to potential threats”.
According to current plans, the new air force should operate at least eight fighter jets – the minimum number deemed necessary for 24/7 air surveillance. Ideally, however, there should be 12 to 14 jets.
One notable aspect is that the aircraft are apparently to be maintained by specialized civilian contractors rather than defence force technicians. The initial training of the pilots would probably also take place abroad.
Stationing in Shannon for greater efficiency
The new squadron is to be stationed at Shannon International Airport, which will continue to operate mixed with civilian traffic. The Irish Air Corps base in Baldonnell (County Dublin) is not suitable for fighter jet operations with an emergency reserve due to its too short runway. The choice of Shannon is also intended to shorten response times and save fuel, as the fighter jets will primarily be deployed over the waters to the west of Ireland.
Air force for Ireland: implementation in three years at the earliest
The life cycle costs of the planned air force project are estimated at 60 to 100 million euros per year over a period of 20 to 25 years. This sum includes the acquisition costs of the aircraft. The final total costs depend on the number and type of jets procured and their service life. Current calculations assume – depending on the model (see table from 2022) – between 1.2 and 2.5 billion euros over the entire service life.
However, Defense Minister Simon Harris emphasized that several preparations are still required before fighter aircraft can be procured. One of the central measures is the installation of a primary radar system for effective air surveillance. The project, estimated at 300 million euros, is to include a radar network with a minimum range of 370 kilometers and at least three strategic stations. Full operational readiness is planned for 2028. The aim is to provide effective passive surveillance of Irish airspace in order to detect threats at an early stage.
Political conviction and security policy change
Minister Harris emphasized that Ireland’s security transformation requires a combat-capable air force: “I am convinced of the case for a combat-capable air force – given the increasingly volatile geopolitical environment. We have a lot of catching up to do in this area. The military must be able to deter and detect threats. Every modern European country has taken sensible steps here – and I think this is a very important one for Ireland.”
Filling neutrality with life – even in the air
The Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense emphasized that the planned establishment of a separate air police force would have no impact on Ireland’s military neutrality: “There are no plans, ambitions or aspirations to change our policy of neutrality. It is valued by the Irish people. It is valued by the Irish Government. But military neutrality does not mean that you can abdicate your responsibility to invest properly in your own defense – especially in airspace.”
Internally, the possibility of transferring airspace security to international partners – similar to the Baltic Air Policing model of NATOin which the airspace of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania is protected by allied NATO countries.
However, as Ireland is not a NATO member, this option is ruled out – as it is for Austria, whose neutrality status is repeatedly the subject of similar discussions.
Ireland’s jet aircraft history: from the Fouga Magister to the PC-9M
Ireland has not had its own jet aircraft since 1998, after the last French Fouga CM.170 Magisters were taken out of service and transferred to museums. One of these aircraft, the “4D-YL”, returned to the museum in Zeltweg in 2005 – a symbolic step, as it was in service with the Austrian Armed Forces before it was sold to Ireland in 1976.
Current air fleet: No interception capacities
Since then, the Irish Air Corps has relied exclusively on eight armed Pilatus PC-9M trainers, which were ordered in 2004 and are mainly used by the Flying Training School (FTS) of the Irish Air Corps College.
Although the PC-9Ms can be equipped with FN-HMG machine guns and LAU-7 missile pods for close air support (CAS) missions, with a maximum speed of 320 knots (around 590 km/h) they lack any capability for air surveillance or intercepting fast targets.
Due to these deficits, there is an unofficial bilateral agreement that allows the British Royal Air Force (RAF) to respond to airspace threats over Irish territory – a pragmatic but controversial compromise in terms of security policy, which Ireland now wants to end by establishing its own air force.
