Ireland Buying New Jet Fighters!? What Might They Go For?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
- Problems with Russian intruders has got Ireland looking at setting up a dedicated air interception capability - something they haven't truly had since 1955!
Article on the proposal: www.overtdefense.com/2020/07/...
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The gripen or golden eagle are perfect choices, the fact that the Irish government dont have the budget is BS they have being purposly neglecting the defence forces for years now
Of the 13billion owed to us in taxes 1billion could buy 16 jets to cover the entire country .i read in the paper about the cost and no jets buy new not old...
@@pat3850 yeah I think it was apple that owes the 13 billion so we would have plenty to spare. And I'm pretty sure there's a lot of lawsuits against apple
F-16 best choice for IAC cheapest to run most Agile of all
Ireland needs to man up and pull its weight in Western Defense - F16s or their newer variant, F21s. At around $35m a pop for F16 Falcons, the Government should be able to muster up a decent air corp over ten years for around $1b (including training) instead of throwing $billions at cycling 'infrastructure' and bus lanes - Limerick (the country's 3rd city) alone is planning €1.4b (euros) on useless bus lanes and cycle tracks and turning urban main roads into boreens. Don't give me that Ireland hasn't the money to take reasonable responsibility for its own defense - spend less on woke cycling and other social justice nonsense and more on military so that Ireland starts pulling its weight - it's pathetic!
@@philiploveswatcheswhiskies9832 l agree...uncle Sam would let the lrish Airforce have F16 at cost ,or even supply reconditioned ones , more than a match for any lurking Russian bomber.
Cheap airplane ? Get a reeeeeaally big piece of paper, fold it down the middle .............
Than get your crayons and draw two red white and blue circles on the wings and hang it from the ceiling next to your spitfire.
@@anthonywickham and my Hurricane, Mosquito, Typhoon, Harrier, Jaguar, Buccaneer, Hunter, Tornado, Hawk, Provost, Lightning ....why, what you got ?
@@andyhart358.Just a normal ceiling.
Does it come, with paper missiles?
@@nicholasbishop6731 toothpick ones
One thing you forget, the F-16 is still in production, so Ireland could buy new F-16V Block 70 or 72, which would last them for ages.
correct....F16 will be a perfect choice
the problem is the price. they don't want to drop so much money on this so something older is probably what they'll look at
@@robertdarnell5141 american F16 C/D stored in arizona is cheaper
@@luarbiasawaras8700 yea but so are F-4 Phantoms which would really be perfect for the role they are looking to fill as well as great multi role fighters for kickstarting the Irish Jet program
@@robertdarnell5141 Im not a jet fighter mechanic, but I assume the F-4 is harder to maintain compared to F16
The Gripen seems best suited to Irish requirements.
F-16G is a better bang-buck deal
Lovely option, but it would be something like a BAE Hawk or as the video says an old F5 upgrade.
Yep thinking about economics I think you're right.
The m50 could be shut and a gripen could operate from it...
@@orcaair822 Does the M50 have a straight and level stretch 800m long?
USAF general: "We invited the Irish Airforce to our NATO joint exercise, but unfortunately he was on vacation".
Nonsense, the elastic band on the pilots aircraft broke and the navy lost his oars.
They have dozens of personnel
@Digger Gardi what stone did you crawl out from, tommy
@Digger Gardi correct you didn’t but you insulted every Irish person with “paddy”- tommy
@Digger Gardi you assume they don’t mind being called “paddy” but I know an awful lot of Irish people who think it’s an insult and that’s the way you meant it, derogatory, am I wrong?
I’m from Ireland and feel it’s about time the Irish government took it seriously about defending the airspace.I’m glad to have the RAF defending the airspace.
For Ireland to do that it is going to need to spend about 40 billion on an airfare. US equipment is the best bet has it can easily be delivered across the atlantic. Britain has great stuff as well which can be used.
Wanker
@@bighands69 40 BILLION..??....ARE THEY MADE OF SOLID GOLD...??
The Irish would never buy a Chinese made aircraft. Could you imagine the fuss that would cause in Europe and the USA? Politically speaking, the Swedish offering would surely be the way to go.
no actually it's the other way around : china wouldn't want to sell them, because then all of europe would poke at the irish air space just to force them out and establish how capable (or not) they are. and china would certainly not want the west to know that.
@@Lapantouflemagic0 European or US air forces probing Irish airspace just to get a look at the JF-17? Unlikely I'd have said. Easier to just invite the Irish for joint training and have everyone poke over the plane to their hearts content.
What about the Rafale?
@@Tonydjjokerit Sweden is outside NATO and France is not.
@@TheEulerID But Sweden is part of the EEA and has access to the Single Market.
Gripen is a lot cheaper than Rafale.
"Hi this is Kevin from the Draken International helpdesk, how may I help you today?''
Irish government: "Yes, we have a Russian bear bomber violating our air space, can you please send a couple of jets to chase them away?"
"Sure, let me open a ticket for you!"
The RAF has jurisdiction over the Irish airspace until Ireland demands it to no longer be so, it's been that way since WWI.
😅😅😅😂😂
Can I have the ticket number?
I don't know but this sounds horrific
New Zealand has a similar population as Ireland and our aging fighter jets were retired back in the early 2000's and never replaced. The previous government who were voted out ordered F 16's as a replacement but the newly elected government canceled that order. Our fighter pilots were world class and were gladly snapped up by the Australians, Brits and Americans. The debate still rages on to this day of reinstating our air combat wing, cost and which aircraft to replace. Our neighbors Australia are retiring their F 18's and spending billions on new F 35's.
Ireland and New Zealand are suffering from similar circumstances in terms of neglect of Defence in the government eye. In Ireland, our Navy is on the verge of collapse with almost half our fleet tied up and the remaining ships operating on skeleton crews and our airspace is left undefended by ourselves and instead is left to the RAF. In terms of options for both our countries well obviously our needs differ but id say either a lease deal of Saab JAS 39 Gripen C/D similar to what Hungary and the Czech Republic did or go down the armed supersonic trainer route with the KAI FA-50. The Philippine Air Force got a deal for 12 of these aircraft at $415 million in total which included munitions and training. The FA-50 would certainly be a very good cost-effective option for yous as it performs well in roles similar to that of the Skyhawk while also being supersonic. For Ireland I still see it as a valid option although many believe it would be sacrificing capability by investing in a light fighter/advanced trainer over a dedicated fighter.
@@eitleoir170 th-cam.com/video/OFDlPdFEqB8/w-d-xo.html
@@wellingtonian2009 Yes I've seen that one before, I really feel for all who made up 75th squadron RNZAF and as I understand the argument of whether or not the NZ government decision to scrap your strike wing was valid, still rages on today. In Ireland discussion of jets is limited to a few articles in the Irish Times and Twitter and never talked about in the general population (that also goes for defence in general). I hope that both Ireland and New Zealand will see jets someday soon! As I've said before the best options are arguably the FA-50, Saab Gripen or the F16.
@iolar mara our neighbours Australia in comparison are spending billions on defence because of the threat from China and North Korea.
@iolar mara over 70 % of all transatlantic traffic passes through Irish airspace. While Ireland hasn't got any formal enemies, that doesn't justify essentially disarming an entire arm of a defence force, especially when it can be done in a relatively affordable way. The RNZAF had jets for years and were due to be replaced by F16s. Helen clarke saw to it that that didn't happen.
The way the PDF is treated in Ireland, hot air balloons would be out of the question.
Watching the royal air force being gutted over the years I feel like quoting the Yorkshire man sketch in Monty python. Hot air balloons? Luxury..
On health and safety grounds probably.
True
Mark Mellet is more concerned with maintaining a woke doctrine of LGBT indoctrination of the cadet classes and overall pussyfied outlook of the commissioned personnel, while starving the enlisted soldier with terrible contracts and poverty pay.
I don't understand how Ireland can afford the purchase and upkeep of front line fighters. Weren't they on the verge of bankruptcy just a few years ago? It doesn't make sense to purchase systems if they are going to sit in hangers because of a lack of manpower and parts. Looking at you Germany.
Ed, I'm really enjoying your in-depth look at the more obscure areas of current and historical stories of aviation. Its really interesting! Thank you and keep up the good work
China: "You know what, how about we give you the fighters plus any replacement parts and training you need? What do we want in return? One day we'll come to you asking for a favor, and you will grant us this favor."
Majority of China's 4th generation fighters suck in comparison to Western equivalents
Funny. “I made him an offer he couldn’t refuse...”-Don Corleone
@@spartanx9293 But it's better than prop planes that we currently have.
@@spartanx9293 Nope, j10c has aesa radar, pl15 (300km range), sd10(70-100km) and has really advanced avionics.
@@spartanx9293 Also, alot of their jets are licenced Russian aircraft.
Very interesting and informative video. For me the option would to either lease or buy the Saab Gripen. Ireland's defence forces have a long history of purchasing military equipment from Swedish companies such as Bofors and also the fact that Sweden is also a neutral country that is a factor which may well come into play in any decision the government will make.
Exactly, leasing Gripens is arguably the best option. This is something the ongoing Commission on the Defence Forces will have to look at.
Brazil bought 36 Gripen F... May buy another 36. The cost per hour to operate is a fraction of the F18, Rafale or Eurofighter. Dont even mention the F35...
A good degree of technology transfer done to Brazil on the Gripen... Some will be produced locally by Embraer.
The 3 sections display in the new Gripen was a technology solution from Brazil that the new Gripen will adopt.
Gripen would be a good solution to Ireland. If you are going to spend money,... just spend it in a proper plane to last many years instead of buying old outdated shi*e!!
I don't understand why buying from a neutral country comes into the argument when you are buying a war plane, will it have an automatic off switch if the guns are fired? you should be buying the most capable aircraft
@@ericcooper1709 I'm not sure what u mean by "an automatic off switch" but really it has to do with optics. Buying from a neutral country vs buying from say America would please certain parties. Its only a small thing to consider anyway but regardless the Gripen is the best aircraft for the job due to its high availability and low maintenance costs. Its a very capable fighter for a very good price. That's what matters. No point on buying something like the F35 when it'll be in maintenance most of the time. You need aircraft that are available as much as possible. It benefits the Air Corps far more to have an easy to maintain, robust fighter like the Gripen.
@@eitleoir170 I wasn't being facetious, I just didn't understand the delicacy of the remark,I'm sure you are right about the Gripen an F35 cost $40,000 an hour to keep in flight and the idea is to let the Russians know you can monitor them not engage them and the Gripen can take off from a dual carriageway as well.
Might be some old WW2 barrage balloons knocking about in an RAF Storage Depot they could have.
XD
Eric Pickles, you mean..
🤣
we did ask the brits for their own built planes, but they were in a museum. 😂✌
@@looneyirish007 Actually the air defence specification which arrived said 'Submarines', which caused a spot of confusion.
But the RAF might flog off some Hawks cheap as, behind closed doors, Boris says he won't pay for luxuries like pilots & fuel.
Gripen C, is obvoius choice. The Irish will get new figters for a bargain. Just look at the Croatia offer, or rent Gripen planes like Hungary does.
Exactly
I am from Croatia and hope my goverment will buy few f16 from USA. Not to much only few for our pilots constantly learning and cares about security.
@@antel704 f16 dont land on short runaways like gripen do. Just get a f18 then, uses 2 gripen engines, better for your logistics.
@@polentusmax6100 even f16 directly from USA can be old and dont even fly we in Croatia must give honor to big brother USA who help us in a war for independent. When I say few f16 for learning I talking we are not afraid enemy IF I be afraid I been asking for fifty or more. Only few for learning and looking when free flying
thrue Croatia sky. F16 is beautiful free eagle line of west freedom. From French buying something other no problem but honor to big brother without hide
And my goverment must have courage to show who is first who care about free west in allies without compromise and without fear from global confuse mess.
In the other case betrayed own people cose dont givin honor our brave libereted actions and big brother USA who with f 16 brave pilots been on sky risk and care in those history moments for my Croatia. If you dont givin honor you have no honor that what global confuse try to do to forget who is who USA is first I think and for Ireland too. If Croatia and Ireland have some problem in case Ireland and UK USA will allways help not to hate or separate. USA will help allies like brotherhood be strong and conect in NATO concept in same interest.
When you buy any machines, always get the most options thrown in for free if you can. You never know if those fancy capabilities may come in handy some day. Those private corporate air forces seem like air combat mercenary companies.
Well, that is exactly what they are.
@@jaanikaapa6925 Forget about nation states. Does this mean if I am some sort of billionaire or trillionaire, I could hire my own private military and classify them as "corporation security guards"? Imagine if Amazon, Netflix, BP, Shell, Exxon, Microsoft, HSBC, Sony, Panasonic, Petro Canada, Coca Cola, Schwepps, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, McDonald's, Burger King, Pepsi Co, AMD, Intel, Walmart, Jollibee, Target, Hudson's Bay Company, IBM, GM, Ford, Hyundai, Mazda, Samsung, BlackBerry, Apple, Tesla, Bell, Toyota, lululemon, Boeing, Airbus, British Airways, Air Canada, Toronto Dominion Bank, Subway, 7-11, Ebay, IKEA, Alibaba and every other corporation had their own corporate armies, navies, air forces. Business is war just as war is a business.
@@exposingproxystalkingorgan4164 That is exactly what you can do. You can hire yourself an actual military. More frighteningly you can hire yourself an intelligence service. There are quite a few around, one of the best apparently is an Israeli one, think if Bond's SPECTRE. Not a stupid cliche, but the one from Craig's. Thus if you are rich enough you can have your own air force, ground troops, signals and human intelligence services. There are a few individuals rich enough to do this, and the truly wealthiest man on Earth actually has his own nuclear arsenal.
@@exposingproxystalkingorgan4164 Of your list Bell, Boeing and Airbus actually already make weapons of war. It wouldn't be a huge stretch to have their own security, a PMC or rather more politically correct PSC, use them.
@@jaanikaapa6925 lol, all those movies are not actually fiction, are they?
I believe they’ve invested in the following.... 2 microlights, a tiger moth and 200 Chinese lanterns from Dealz
Jeez you Brits are really jealous of Ireland🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪
@@chrisbyrne5358 Jeez.
And a guy in a hot air balloon with a pair of binoculars and some signal flags for Airborne Warning and Control.
@@chrisbyrne5358 Not at all. Chris. You have a lovely country spoiled by a lot of people who can only think of the past. You have great Guinness and a good time playing the old Irish tunes in the pubs. But we Brits like a bit-o-banter.
Couldn't afford the lanterns, dealz wouldn't throw in some free carrier bags
“England get out of Ireland” photographed in New York by Americans who still think they are Irish. It’s amazing how Americans still can’t differentiate between England and the UK.
“Irish Americans out of Indian land”
ahhahaahahahah couldn't agree more
We live in a connected world knowing Irish people live in Australia, New Zealand and across Great Britain including America. We need to work together to make our planet better with less hate. Irish people have helped build the UK, American and other economies in the world and play a role in making our society.
Ireland is aware Russia have flown near Cork in Irish Air Space on Several Occasions include Subs off the coast of Ireland to gather information on companies that operate in Ireland from the US, and other European firms.
Ireland needs around 20 aircraft with 5 in the South West of Ireland, 5 covering Dublin area and 5 in the North of Ireland.
The Irish navy also need at least 2 type 32 Frigates include patrol craft to deal with Russia and ships for drug patrols and legal immigration into Ireland from the Middle East and Africa include links with terrorist groups.
Since the EU is planning a European military force Ireland may need to spend more on military equipment to cover European equirements.
@@stephenpeat3885 i love the irish, it just comes across hypocritical when irish military groups kill and maim british citizens yet they happily accept britains military help in return. obviously there's hundreds of years of history there as well but in context to more modern history it makes no sense .
@@tonkerdog1243 Indian land is over in India, the under belly of Asia, get it right
Ireland I believe purchased their first air defence radar a few years back after a scare with a Russian Bear. Ireland has been a independent country now for 100 years and needs to take responsibility for own air defence. I am sure they could purchase a few second hand Typhoons from the Britain. They could do training with RAF and maintance in UK to get them up and running and sure could be a agreement UK would provide tanker support.
You are right you could do this it would be relatively straightforward but there is one slight problem There are a lot of people in Ireland which would hate the idea of buying an British aircraft, the other problem would be the RAF tankers would have to fly into Irelands air space to refuel Irish fighters, an awful lot of people would get upset about this to, they would see it as an infringement of their neutrality, there were people in Ireland during the Second World War in the government which complained bitterly that Britain was infringing it’s air space when it was flying Catalinas and Sunderland flying boats and other aircraft over Ireland to protect the convoys from U boats and the British lifeline from America To fight the war against the Nazis.
Indeed. That's the route that Austria took. Let's hope there are enough funds to keep the Eurofighter Typhoons aloft
Most reasonable comment on here
A a possible answer could be as the RAF tanker force can also use civilian air routes could fly over Ireland and then refuel Irish fighters off the the west coast in international airspace. There was a agreement when the Nimrod was around that it could fly across Ireland to help in the Air Sea Rescue Operations with RAF Sea kings.
I'm told that the Typhoons spend more time in the workshop than in the air. They'd cost a fortune to operate and maintain.
You forgot one option: LEASE the Gripen...
I'd put the Saab JAS Gripen in the lead. The plane is very up to date, and mostly importantly, is relatively cheap to buy _new_ . Buying surplus F-16's might work, but the cost of maintaining the structure of an older airframe....
But you can still buy f16v's new as far as I know
Good point mate. From no fighter to typhoon or Rafael is a big leap the Saab is a great beginners fighter very solid and only a third of the cost if you break it
There is possiblity of life extension program. SLEP.
They will buy whatever the EU orders them to buy.
@@doyouwanttogivemelekiss3097 Who wants to buy a new F16?
Does anyone really think the Irish have any interest in paying for its own defence?
Same as in Canada but we are stuck between USA and Russia...
@@jeffho1727 There it's not aboot tradition.
@@jeffho1727 At least Canada actually has a capable defence force with Army, Navy and Air Assets
@@Spookieham look deeper. Our planes are from the 80s, our boats are rusting out . Army is ok after afganistan but short people. We seem unable as a country to accept that we have the privileges due to our position and there's a lot of the world who envy that.
@@givenfirstnamefamilyfirstn3935 No? We've been invaded twice by the USA and barely came through. Not comparing to the Troubles but we are both stuck in the middle.
Good channel, thank you. I believe I shall buy your book.
The Griffin fighter will suit ireland
This seems like an appropriate place to mention all the RAF/RN air-sea rescue work off the Irish coast in times gone by before we got our big Coastguard helicopters. RAF assistance was a regular occurrence in the 70s and 80s and maybe into the 90s. I hope our government have formally expressed the nation's gratitude.
You're welcome.
Thanks for the Guinness
No problem
We did we paid back the 3.2 billion loan from the UK government during the 2011 crisis, have the UK government made reparations for the famine or the trouble's ?
Too right.
Decisions, decisions. Airfix, Revell, Tamiya? And then there’s scale 1:72 or 1:48...
Stop sniffing the glue RJ.
I'd prefer Italeri
WOULD THEY BUY THE GLUE AND BRUSHES AS WELL ,.AND PAINT IN THERE COLOURS OR JUST COPY THE COLOURS ON THE BOX LOL
Trumpeter.
@steven smith. Very astute Steve. The " Tiger Moth" ticks all the boxes indeed, you can't se it let alone hear it so there's your Stealth problem fixed, besides who doesn't like a bit of fresh air to stay alert. In the meantime every one in the : Bear" is laughing and saying WTF totallng ignoring the rather large mountain they will be smashing into shortly. No shots fired, just too clever the Irish.
just overthinking it but sparklers for flares, Chinese new year's eve rockets (aim 69 shoot and run) and an m-16! there you have it an air superiority fighter? lol.
Some fantastic R/C aircraft available.
Could get ahead of other nations in terms of having a 100% unmanned drone airforce. Will get through a bucketload of AA batteries though
For Ireland a lease of Gripen's such as the Hungarian Gripen arrangement. Pay for the hours and get the usage you need. Older aircraft will not be considered in my opinion, they are a bottomless money pit. Twin engine are too expensive to operate with double the flight hour costs than a Gripen for example.
Exactly and Ireland learned this with the Fouga Magister. They cost a fortune to keep running after being bought from Israel in the 70s and went on until 1997. Huge costs in maintenance and eventually grounded due to metal fatigue.
saab would also help with setting up of the fighters and infrastructure that you need to use them properly(for the gripen you only need a tanker truck/somewhere to refuel, 5 consprips and a mechanic, spare parts and weapons/ammo for rearming)
There is no comparison between the military of Hungary and Ireland.
The military of Hungary has 22000 active personnel and about 25,000 reserve personnel. And its budget is about €2 billion per year. And it also procures equipment orders in the hundreds of millions.
About 80% of Irish military budget goes towards pensions and there is no procurement program.
Ireland is still using 1970s military weapons in its inventory no amount of cheap Gripen procurements will solve the problems of Irish defence.
@@bighands69 I didn't say there was a comparison. I said the same lease arrangement could work for Ireland. Make no mistake about it, Ireland could easily afford them, it has one of the highest GDP's in Europe, it does however lack the political will to spend that money. Of course Ireland has a procurement system in place, do you think the new helicopters, planes, ships, anti tank missile's, mid life upgrades for the Piranha APC fleet and Steyr rifle's just originated out of thin air?
@@EyeInTheSkypaulmcmenamin
For a country with economic state of Ireland with a €500 billion GDP it would need to spend about €50 billion building its defence force infrastructure and then spend about €12 billion per year to maintain that which equates to about 2.5% of GDP.
Hungary spends €2 billion per year at present but Ireland is not even at that level and does not have the infrastructure that the hungarian defence forces have in place.
As an Island Ireland has two routes it can go down to defend its Northern, Western Southern coast lines. It can either build out a naval force that can engage an invading threat or it can build an airforce that could defend out to about 400 naval miles.
We need to be able to pay our troops proper wages before we even think about buying jets.
We should be able to do both.
i have a far better idea for ireland : how about you stop behaving like a fucking tax haven and actually rack up some money ?
being french this is what i'm mostly upset about your country (but mostly luxemburg to be fair). we could even pay you for doing that and still both be better off this way.
@@Lapantouflemagic0 The Corporate Tax Haven Index 2019 had previously estimated that the UK, together with its network of Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies, plus Luxembourg, Switzerland and the Netherlands are together responsible for half of the world’s risk of corporate tax abuse, coining the label “axis of tax avoidance” for the group.
The State of Tax Justice confirms today that the axis of tax avoidance is collectively responsible for over 47.6 per cent of global tax loss incurred from corporate tax abuse. When including tax losses to private tax evasion, the "axis of tax avoidance" is responsible for 55 per cent of all tax losses suffered by countries around the world, costing countries nearly $237 billion in lost tax every year.
Published on 20/11/2020 Global Alliance for Tax Justice.
PS: Remember Lapantouflemagic0, in this age of Brexit shit, don't rely on one source to inform your opinion, there are facts out there if you wish to know the truth and not trumpet a particular bias. Anything less and you will be labeled a dumb easily led fuckwit like 17.4 Mil Brits.
Lapantouflemagic0 how do you expect Ireland to earn money without low corporate tax? I guess you just don't understand economics :)
@@Lapantouflemagic0 that's not exactly how economics work but I wont contest your claim because im too lazy to care about the funny man complaining on ypthe funny TH-cam video
Contracting seemed not a bad idea. Remind me of Area 88 manga/anime.
Yeah privatizing part of your military, always a great idea. Worked great for the US.....Awful idea.
Two pilots, two engines, two missiles! “To be sure, to be sure!”
Our personnel and pilots are world class.We just don’t have the aircraft
@@chrisbyrne5358 hahaha 😆 idiot
too funny...
Imagine not having aircrafts and thinking you have good pilots for fighter jets
@@Ak3rf3ldt I would have thought A good pilot is a good pilot, no? the tech is a bonus. A lot of Aer Corps pilots go to other air forces around the world and also train out of Fort Rucker in Alabama and Australia. The Irish Aer Corps are finding it hard to retain their top pilots in the last few years. How often do you see dog fighting anymore, jet fights have systems than can fire at targets from very long distances. You may laugh because you're either immature or are ignorant, but look at what the Irish army ranger wing sniper team achieved, they were the first ever non american team to win at their competitions.
I agree with all the options. The 'air force for hire' was something I'd not even considered. Thanks for bringing that up.
Your amazon link does not seem to work for me. Ie just goes to amazon frontpage not to your book.
But the link on the picture of your book on your blog does work.
Thanks, I'll look into it!
with the RAF retiring some of the older typhoons early, this might raise this system furhter up the list, also, KAI t-50 might be worth a deckko!
Probably do a deal where they can do the major servicing back in the UK. Probably save a fortune on maintenance costs.
@@hewbertsinclair9479 UK should share nothing with them. Irish politicians are very anti-UK, and have enjoyed themselves too much being the political football for the EU against the UK. Fuck them.
Who the fuck do you think you are? We wouldn't give you are aircraft even if they are out of service
The most viable and realistic options for the Irish are either the F-16 of the JAS-39 Gripen. Outsiders could certainly include the S. Korean FA-50 Golden Eagle or a light fighter variant of the new US T-7A Red Hawk, the latter of which is even talked of as a cheap ''homeland'' air defence platform for the USAF. Now, if the F-20 Tigershark was still around....
None are viable, Ireland can barely keep their handful of prop aircraft in the air never mind a jet.
FA-50 was designed to replace F-5E.
F-20 is just a 3rd gen F-5 airframe with 4th gen avionics and a single F404-GE-100 engine.
Hornet is the real successor to the F-5.
F-20 lacks the 4th gen body lift designs, hence it's inferior to FA-50 which also has a single F404-GE-xxx engine.
@@georgebarnes8163
Ireland has a GDP of €500 billion and could easily afford such aircraft in large numbers because it does not have a naval force.
@@bighands69 LOL, Ireland has practically zero spending on military, the country can barely afford to pay its tiny defence force and keep its 6 prop aircraft in the air, the Air defence of Ireland is down to the UK therefore Ireland does not need high tech jet aircraft.
NAH....AIR ROCKETS ARE CHEAP AND WE ALREADY HAVE THEM....LOTS OF CLOUD AND RAIN...JET FIGHTERS,, DONT WORK HERE..!!
The image of the group of people holding the banner is in New York ffs🤣 you’d miss the old Fouga Magisters😢 good video mate. The dream would be the Eurofighter, but as you said way out of our budget
That image was Irish politicians taking part in the NY parade.
@@Mugdorna Which they should remember is Indian land.
Ireland needs a far more simple approach to start off. It needs to grow it defence forces to about 50,000 personnel, needs special operations and then it needs to acquire a more simplistic air defence system involving something like an F16 and F15 program.
Ireland currently spends over a billion on defence but most of that goes on pensions.
@@bighands69 dad's army😆
@@simon8089
It is a welfare state army at the moment.
Another option is to fly the F-4 Phantom. There are over 70 F-4s in service with Greece, South Korea, and Turkey, plus more in storage. They cost relatively little to operate compared to modern fighters, are blazing fast, and have been intercepting Soviet/Russian bombers for generations.
I recommend the Folland Gnat - great trainer and low cost fighter with ground attack capability. It also looks good at air shows...
Shane Murphy didn't they also use those in the comedy movie 'Hot Shots'?
MB 339 or swiss f5e I think is the most likely, Ireland could buy 4 or 8-second hand from Italy or Switzerland
as Ireland buys and operates Italian helicopters and swiss aircraft already
they really have a good selection but still a pity that they announced that they weren't buying jets
except for the Lear jet for our politicians
Outsourcing it to a company to do the job will only turn into scandal after scandal when they start to penny pinch.
it is also illegal under international law it would be a massive breach of article 5 of 1989 United Nations Mercenary Convention
Irish should use drones and tell the Russians to stay well clear of them, in case of collision
No need for real drones a simple phone call was enough to close down gatwick.....
@@joedixon8646 : a light aircraft crashed into a graveyard and they recovered 100 bodies
The Gripen would be the best choice I think but it will never come to fruition as much and all I would like it too.
Ireland needs a completely cultural change. I though it may have come about after the last crisis but the media holds too much power.
Ireland needs to get rid of its welfare state mentality, lower taxes on the working class and open their economy up far too much protectionism going on.
At present 80% of the Irish military budget goes on pensions and supporting welfare programs.
What's easiest to fly when you're pissed?
Your mother
Mix it up a bit. Hunters, EE Lightings, Mig 21's, F-4's. They could pay for them by doing airshows
Given you're going to be up against Bear H, Mig 21s would be ideal! Maybe Foxbat.
oh the maintenance cost of this menagerie are going to be lovely...
@@Lapantouflemagic0 No need for a PhD in computer programming, jut good with a screwdriver and spanner!
Now theres a very fast intercèptor: the EE Lightning..that would give any ruskies in Irish airspace, a fright,!!
Speed and cost are important factors, but don't forget the craic! The plane would need to be light-hearted and easy about town. 😂
Very insightful.
Given the Irish investment in defence, the only options are a Sopwith Camel and a bunch of helium balloons
Hydrogen - it’s cheaper!
The three arguably best options are 2nd hand F16s (or surplus F16s in storage from America), the Saab Gripen and the KAI FA-50. The Gripen option would see us go down some sort of lease deal route with Saab. Its been done before with both the Hungarian Air Force and the Czech Air Force leasing Gripens from Sweden. Leasing would save us enormous amounts of money and is realistic. The only other option would be to buy the FA-50 (the light fighter variant of the T-50). The Philippines Air Force went down this route and the deal cost $415 million for 12 aircraft as well as other expenses. Very doable for Ireland considering we recently signed a deal for 2 Airbus C295 Maritime patrol aircraft costing $282 million. The only other expenses would be infrastructure and training crews. Ideally we would use Shannon as a civilian/military air base and keep the jets there. This would only require minimum infrastructure upgrades including building a few hangars and a parallel taxiway. As for training we could do it with the RAF, NFTC in Canada which allows friendly nations to NATO to also use the program or with Sweden if we went down the Gripen route. If we went with the FA-50 then only initial training would be needed to train a few instructors to then train other pilots as the aircraft is both an advanced LIFT trainer and a light attack aircraft.
I reckon they’d just base them out of Baldonnell like all other air corps aircraft, no reason to base them out of shannon
@@evanomairtin1279 Well there is because if we were to go with the recommended number of aircraft (that being 16) we would have nowhere near enough hangar space in baldonnel alone to store them. Really we should've been using shannon much earlier in the Air Corps history for even the likes of the maritime patrol aircraft.
The difficulty with leasing is 1) you end up paying the lessor's cost of capital, which would be considerably higher than the yield on Irish sovereign debt, and 2) the lessor can place covenants and liens on the assets, which restrict use.
If the DF were to lease assets, they should lease them from the State rather than a private sector; for example the NTMA could raise asset backed debt in the capital markets (currently with negative yield, based on Irish credit ratings) and then lease the assets to the DF for their useful life. With this structure the lease rate would essentially be just the depreciation/amortisation on the assets because Sovereign debt has a neutral/negative yield; therefore, assuming 25 year useful life, the DF would pay c. 4% of asset value p.a. over 25 years - a private lease would have a yield 2-3 times higher to reflect the lessor's cost of capital. This would also have the added advantage of exploiting the time value of money and, potentially, negative yield on debt.
In short, leasing makes sense if the assets are leased from the State via a special purpose leasing vehicle. The Hungarian/Czech Gripen leases, however, do not make sense, it would be too expensive and restrictive.
Ireland if it put its mind to it could have a F15 and F16 airforce program. It will never happen as long as Ireland is a welfare state spending billions to keep people sitting on their fat.........
@@eitleoir170 if you're talking about the light attack variant, that was the TA-50. It is a light attack and lead-in fighter/trainer aircraft. The TA-50 light attack variant has been ordered by Indonesia.
Irish armed forces: drinking the enemy under the table since 1922
They'd better not try that with the Finns!
@@EdMcF1 You clearly don't know the Irish very well.
Wow good one, did you come up with that one all by yourself
@@EyeInTheSkypaulmcmenamin Better to drink with your enemies than to fight them.
Your an idiot.
As a proud Irishman, it's just embarrassing that we don't have a capable jet fighter for the 21st century
Very interesting perspective! I come from Croatia, fellow EU member country with very comparable territory, seaside range and number of citizens.
Of course, there are some major differences. While Ireland is neutral country, as a NATO member state Croatia isn't. While Ireland is basically one large island that is bordering only with the GB, Croatia has several neighbouring countries with continental and maritime borders. Also, Ireland has had a century of life in peace while Croatia is relatively new independent country who fought fiercely for it's independence (like Ireland back at the beginning of the 20th century!) in really bloody and destructive war in early 1990s. Finally nowadays Ireland is much more prosperous and rich than Croatia although latter has huge potential in many areas in near future.
All that circumstances impact heavily on each country's defence needs, possibilities, doctrines and plans.
As a NATO member Croatia is obliged to have regular air policing of it's sky with modern fighter jets capable of atleast basic attacking capabilities. Considering it's very problematic recent past and fact that it's situated in still unstable part of the Europe but also having in mind that Croatia is huge tourist power that has to keep it's projection of safe destination Croatian government decided to keep our airforce and equip it with more powerful multirole aircrafts but as much affordable as it gets. As a result Croatia choose French offer to buy 12 used but still very new (oldest pieces only 10 years of service) Rafale F3R multirole fughter jets that are one of the best if not the best 4.5 gen jets. This pleasure will cost us 999 million € in full package (jets, spare parts, simulators, training of personnel, basic weapons...). In addition Croatia has to build new specialized hangars.
Having said all of that I can't let myself not to wonder is it Croatia overdoing it to some extent while much richer Ireland is going too much modestly?!
It is certain that Croatia needs capable fighters, among other reasons, to have strong means of deterrence of any possible future adversary with agressive intent.
But, isn't Ireland concerned more for it's own safety regarding Russians but also any possible future threat in very changing global environment?!
Your country certainly would be able to buy at least 12 more capable new or relatively newer used fighter jets like F-16s, Rafales, Eurofighters or even F-35.? Can someone explain me why is your country so reluctant or unconvinced of necessity of having atleast basic number of aircraft for national air defence?
Warm greetings from Croatia to our friends in Ireland! 🇭🇷 💖 🇮🇪🍀
I am afraid Croatia spending and investment in its forces does not come anywhere near to where it needs to be.
Ireland could easily spend €50 on its military upgrades and then €12 billion per year on maintaining that.
Contract it out? Claire Chenault nods his approval from his Curtiss P-40 Warhawk.
illegal under international law it would be a massive breach of article 5 of 1989 United Nations Mercenary Convention
There is also the Indian Tejas....
But as a Swede I have my favorite and would recomend a couple of used Gripen Version C
I hear they come flat pack and just need an Allen key to assemble.
@@Shanetangybits nonono..... this not IKEA..... you need at least two.... and a hammer
Can any of these aircraft be fitted with a ignition interlock?
Even though buying from the British may rankle a few, the BAE Systems Hawk might well be the most reasonable solution. It's armed, inexpensive, maneuverable and upgraded models are still in production. Plus, they're well-known to and by the RAF, so cooperation and coordination would be easier. Finally, Boris Johnson would be thrilled to make an export deal and would likely offer attractive terms.
Ireland would be better of buying a first rate air defence system from the UK to defend its airspace in the situation of invasion.
When it comes to aircraft such as fighter jets ireland should buy about 60 F-16 and then 20 F-35. That would enable Ireland to defend a naval invasion from the South, West and North. When combined with Britain it would form a formidable defense system.
The dangers for Ireland would be a Russian push from either the north, south from mediterranean via the black sea and a wide arc attack from african mainland via the Atlantic.
Sweden is part of the EU which includes the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Ireland is part of the EU.
I just want ireland to do flyovers😂😂🤧😫
There's one on the M2 mate.
Fascinating Ed - I think you have identified most, if not all of the viable options for Ireland.
Very interesting. I would be going for the Grippen.
its okay lads the RAF will protect you
Very enjoyable vid Ed, certainly covers the options, but I think we can assume whatever is purchased ultimately will be a NATO operated or previously operated airframe, as EU battlegroup, EUNAVFOR and NATO PfP interoperability are already boxes ticked on all other military acquisitions in the last 20 years. A retired GOC Air Corps himself proposed a solution of a primary radar system and a fleet of 14 unspecified fighter/interceptors including 1 or 2 training variants and 3 crews per aircraft trained up, ground crew training, spares, simulators, munitions, hangar accommodation for a spend of about £1.3 billion sterling. The Gripen leasing contracts of Hungary and Czechia look to be favoured.
This is a spurious article, we do not have any need for interceptors. The country cannot afford new toys for Europe's most restrictive flying club. The government have vastly more pressing issues than over flights off our west coast.
What is the UK getting in return from the Irish for us covering their arse in air defence? Cooperation works both ways. We need more transparency here for the general public.
So we don’t just let the Russians fly straight through, Ireland isn’t the objective it’s to probe the uk. Otherwise Ireland would let Russian jets fly through Irish airspace with our blessing. Ireland gets free defense the uk covers it’s back side.
Totally agree, Ireland has always been a natural nation, sad to see how quickly the neighbours forget the assistance provided during the world wars. Many Irish died fighting in a foreign uniform. was it all for nothing ? Guess England covering Irelands arse is not the British way. Please keep in mind that Russia along with many other countries would love to protect the Irish airspace. Ireland is America's greatest Companion, it doesn't really need an air force. Wish you all well. Irish citizen South Africa
Ever since the RAF retired their Nimrods they have been getting some maritime surveillance from a couple of Air Corps Casa units. Assistance has gone both ways for many years. Special forces from both countries train together and on each others turf... Peacekeeping is something we do really well for the UN, in fact Ireland has the longest unbroken service record of any nation ever. In recent years British troops have attended training courses in the Curragh specifically to take advantage of Irish expertise in this area.
Ed Nash says "that the cost of [Ireland] setting up its own interceptor fleet means it will never happen...."?
Other countries with similar population and comparable national income; Finland, Norway and Denmark, for example, with ~5million population and ~$300bn national income, all have comprehensive air defence.
Before jumping to conclusions, Ed Nash should analyse the cost. For example, consider a low time JAS Gripen C (capital cost
@@EdNashsMilitaryMatters Labour costs are included in the indirect operating cost, which accounts for the marginal employment cost for 1.5 pilots and 3 mechanics per aircraft - other support and service support functions are already accounted for under the Defence Forces' existing table of organisation and equipment. The figures I provided bake all the costs into the estimate.
@@EdNashsMilitaryMatters To be clear, there is an unsubstantiated rumour that the RAF is engaging in operations in Irish airspace but the nature and extent of any air defence bilateral between Ireland and the UK is unclear and you should be careful about making statements about "the reality" unless you can cite evidence of what "the reality" actually is. Article 15(6) of the Irish constitution prohibits a foreign military from conducting operations in an Irish sovereign domain and any bilateral with the UK must adhere to the law - this would imply that any air defence bilateral is extremely limited and most likely only permits the RAF to transit Irish airspace without prior diplomatic clearance. Even transit rights of this nature would be legally dubious.
What do they spend that billion on? Our military is completely unequipped.. like our navy of only a few patrol vessels, but I guess that doesn't matter as we gave away the rights of our waters up to the EU..
I think we've found our next advisor for the minister of defence.
Our Globalist lowlife so called government do not want Ireland having jet fighter air cover its as simple as that it is easily within Ireland's economic GDP to provide air defence coverage.
We are a banana 🍌 skin republic with the banana 🍌 long gone all the indoctrination has everyone in Ireland believing we are God's gift to the world, I see it here every day a sick joke.
I think it would make sense if the Irish government took retired US aircraft in exchange for use of Shannon Airport instead of money. That way they'd probably get more moneys worth of aircraft than cold hard cash.
Ireland needs to do nothing of the sort. Ireland has the ability to spend about €50 billion on its military build out and then €12 billion per year to maintain it.
Ireland is a modern European economy; money is not the issue having the political will might be.
The SAAB Grippen is perfect for Ireland, however, in reality, I would say it will be a jet trainer.
also this was a realy interesting to whatch and an amazing video
Come on we can't have Russians disrupting our airspace. We're a peaceful country but we still need to be ready for the worst case scenario.
🙄
Like sweden
Peaceful country dream on look at our recent history.
Patrick Lamshear we are. We've been neutral since we got independence.
@@patricklamshear1806 name a war we started ill wait
The Saab Grippen would be the best, why? They need little ground support and can operate from any straight bit of road in the Irish countryside.
lol, there are no straight roads in Ireland, their country roads and B roads could best be described as mud tracks.
@@georgebarnes8163 and 'ffing narrow..
@@cmulder002 very narrow and dangerous, more shrines on Irish roads than road markings.
There’s the potholes as well
th-cam.com/video/QbQNda7qqEg/w-d-xo.html
Lots of nice dual carriageway in Ireland
How many F-16s in boneyards and which modes are they and how many hours on them... ??
What an interesting video . Had no idea a country could sub contract out it's air defence to private corps . Bloody amazing . From a new fan in Australia.
It is a nonsense approach that is insane for any country to go down.
lol Ireland relies too much on the raf to cover its airspace
I think it's more that the UK and RAF need access to Irish airspace to intercept the Russian aircraft trying to get in the back door.
@@msheldon10 No they very much rely on the RAF to keep their airspace clear Lol and then slag us off every chance they get.
@@danglingdave1787 if our airspace was clear you might have a point. The fact that it's not is why we are here... Maybe the raf can't do the job anymore
@@dingrey of course it can the question is why should it?
@@danglingdave1787 I don't think it should. Someone erroneously was giving them credit for doing it. If that was the case Ireland wouldn't need to buy anything and this video wouldn't exist was my point. But the raf aren't doing it hence Ireland is looking at buying their own aircraft.
Would love to see the gripen or f-16's in aer corps service.
The only jets other than biz jets we've had up until now were the fougas and vampires so either would be a major step up.
Neither were armed aircraft, both used as trainers but training for what since Ireland never had any armed jet aircraft which always confused me.
@@georgebarnes8163
Ireland only has about 9000 defence force troops. The government will try and pretend it has 12,000. And the reserve force at maximum has about 3000 troops.
Ireland is an Island yet it does not even have an actual navy to defend it self never mind an air force.
I know the plitus 9's the Irish use can be equipped with gun and rocket pods. Anyone know how often they get a chance to train with them in live fire exercises?
RAF Tranche 1 Eurofighters. Purpose designed for intercepting Soviet aircraft, radars outdated but it would primarily be guided on to target by ground radar anyway.
For the love of God get Gripen!!
How about a UCAV.
No, they'll go for free-loading again.
@Voice Of Logic
Defending from who exactly?
There's nothing to see by overflying Ireland that can't already be seen on Google earth. We don't have nuclear sub bases or any of that crap that the UK wastes billions on.
@major meat
Simple. The RAF was brought up as defenders of our airspace. Not the French or the Americans!
Who do we need defending from? Does anyone really think the Russians are going to invade Ireland? 😂
@@chrismartinbyrne7563 that "crap" is the deterrent that has stopped Russia and it's expansionist regime for the last 50 years. Does Crimea or the Ukraine ring a bell in your brain dead head.
I like the concept and idea of using PMC as 'Private Air Force' for a country. Its like hiring a security guard company but with Fighter jet. You mentioned 3 PMCs which is Draken, TAC, ATAC ..but you forgot to mention Air USA Inc(they are getting F18 from Australia Air Force) and also Paramount Group from South Africa(they have a number of Mirage 1).
illegal under international law it would be a massive breach of article 5 of 1989 United Nations Mercenary Convention
Nations that have historically used mercenaries have not faired that well because those forces can be bought of by somebody else with more money.
What about the tornado gr3 or gr4 very capable aircraft and twin engine as well and as alot have been retired would be readily available
Most of the FA18A HUG sold to Canada by Australia are fully capable and flying fighters as they had been modified with new radars, structural strengthening and updated systems. Maybe Ireland would like some of them as well as we move to F35 fleet replacement. 🇦🇺
Canada has its own problems with an underperforming defence force.
What about the Hawk T2?
Knowing our government, a few hot air balloons on a windy day will do the job.
Switzerland also wants to replace their F-18. Ireland and Switzerland could buy something together and might get some discount!
they could get a great discount on Wish or Ali
@Archibald Tuttle
Ireland does not spend money on defence. They would expect switzerland to spend all the money and they get it for cheap.
All at the same time the Irish government spends about €60 billion on its welfare state. Ireland currently spends about €1 billion per year on its military with about 80% of that going on pensions.
@@bighands69 Here's that 80% number again.
The Irish aren't going to buy a jet fighter, last one they had was the spitfire. Irish army is tiny, they have no tanks.
We do have tanks, actually.
@@120mmsmoothbore2 do we. You sure? Are they like APCs or ARVs?
Ireland also needs capable radar. I read it only has ability to see complaint aircraft with their transponders on. So if they decide to turn it off they can’t see them. I do hope Ireland doesn’t go too cheap or contract it out.
While plans for getting fighter jets are very much on the long finger, plans to acquire a capable long range radar for air control and surveillance are well advanced.
Obviously, the Covid-19 pandemic is taking priority at the moment...
@flip inheck
"...since Ireland is not longer a neutral country after signing up to the EU army back in Dec 2018"?
It does not matter how often you repeat this nonsense; it will not magically remove the 'non', while leaving the 'sense'...
Ireland is a neutral country, and will remain so for as long as its citizens wish that situation to continue...
Ireland has NEVER signed up "...to the EU army...", mainly because there is NO such thing as "...the EU army..."
@flip inheck
Every time you post about Ireland or the EU, your comprehensive ignorance is on display.
PESCO, more properly PErmanently Structured COoperation, is NOT anything resembling an army, EU or otherwise.
It has no command structure. It has no troops. It is utterly voluntary. Member states, and possibly the UK in the future, opt in to projects that interest them.
"Ireland will do what it is told by its EU masters and owners or no more handouts"?
Meanwhile, back in reality, the EU did what it was told to do by Ireland. The EU incorporated EVERY one of Ireland's red lines into Michel Barnier's negotiating mandate before the UK invoked Article 50.
Ireland, like the other 26 member states, is one of the masters and owners of the EU. The EU is the creation, and creature, of its member states. The member states form the European Council, the EU's ultimate decision making body.
As for the stupid claim about "...no more handouts"?
The Republic of Ireland(RoI) has been a net contributor since 2014...
Do catch up...
@flip inheck
"ROI contributes basically sweet FA to the EU pot in the real world..."?
How would you know that, when you don't live in the real world?
Ireland contributes exactly the same to the EU's relatively tiny budget as EVERY OTHER EU member state - 1.1% of Gross National Income(GNI). However, our NET contribution this year is about euro2.5 BILLION. That is due to increase over the seven years of the next Multi-Annual Financial Framework(MAFF)
Your idiotic claim that "...when the EU tells Ireland to increase its military spending it will do what it is told..." is more evidence that you really know NOTHING about the EU or how it operates "...in the real world..."
The EU is NOT going to tell Ireland "to increase its military spending...", because the EU has precisely ZERO power to do that. And Ireland, along with most member states, would veto any suggestion that the EU should acquire such a competence...
Do you like living in such angry ignorance?
@flip inheck
All you have is ignorant bullshit. Along with a general denial of reality.
The UK MoD loves selling off perfectly serviceable defence equipment at bargain prices- Harriers, Aircraft Carriers, Submarines, Destroyers, etc, so just wait a month or two, and there are sure to be some Eurofighters going cheap on eBay.
The problem with buying that equipment is actually then serving it and keep it active.
HAL Tejas costs 32 million(cheaper than the jf 17 and Gripen)is made by India which is mostly neutral
However, it is fairly new to the market and has a low range, but is multi-role.
The Irish like being violated. Why pay to avoid it?
Privatised military? In Ireland? Greaatttt idea haha
@flip inheck
"...Ireland ceased to be neutral when they joined PESCO (eu army) in Dec 2018"?
Do you have an everlasting source of bullshit?
Ireland's neutral status is part of the Constitution of Ireland.
Participating in PESCO does NOT change this constitutional and legal fact.
PESCO is not, and never will be, an EU army.
It is a framework where countries opt to cooperate on projects which meet their needs and conform to their legal and constitutional requirements...
In Ireland's case that means that the Triple Lock would have to be satisfied before more than 12 Irish troops could be deployed.
Cooperation on procurement of equipment would not be a problem, in terms of neutrality...
I feel another Quango coming on 😉
2:01 About 20 years ago, Italy leased some F-16's for their air force due to delays in the Eurofighter production. They flew F-16 that were held in storage in America for about five or six years.
I’m thinking biplane with a steam boiler running on peat turf
Ah, a mercenary air force.
Good for the short term but terrible for the long run.
If Ireland runs out of money (which is quite a possibility given their huge debt), those companies will be packing up.
Afterall, they swear allegiance to money not to the nation
The Republic of Ireland needs to put the money into the infastructure of their country rather than funding a wing of interceptor jets. In reality no one wants to attack Ireland and in actuality the Republic of Ireland is surrounded by strong allies, they know this which is why they've never gotten serious about their military. All their natural resources go to America and if that source was ever threatened there'd be carrier-strike groups off the coast of Ireland in a moments notice.
We have historically abdicated our responsibility for Education and Health to the Catholic church in the past and that didn’t work out well.
We appreciate your solidarity but the US wouldn’t want Canada defending it’s airspace and the UK wouldn’t want the
French defending theirs
Become the first customer of the F-20 Tigershark. Maybe a slightly improved version
FA-50 seems ideal. Cheapest way to get BVR engagement ability and supersonic interception speeds. These are needed to actually shoot down an incoming bomber. Plus with its trainer origin it's built to be easy to learn. They could even get a deal for FA-50s with a couple T-50s to use as actual trainers. Transition would be super smooth which should be a bonus for a new air force.
Here's a cheap option: use rocks and slings
Here’s another one,disband the RAF
I thought the budget for this was invested wisely in the voting machines. 😂😂😂
No mate - cycling 'infrastructure' and bus lanes - I believe Limerick alone is to splash out €1.4b on this nonsense. That kind of money would get us a decent air corp (including outsourced training) over 10 years I reckon!
how many airframes needed ??
..." Yeah, sure... but do you have anything that runs on Guinness ??? "