Defence Force spending

[Silver]

There was an article about Defence Force spending (and future equipment) in today's Irish Independent.

If you have the full text, please post it here.

Thanks,
Silver.

[Frank]

HI Guys,

Here's the report from the Irish Independent, sections of the report relating to the Air Corps are highlighted.

-------------------

Defence forces spending €100m despite cutbacks - Don Lavery, The Irish Independent

29th December 2003


MORE than €100m of new aircraft, armoured vehicles, and guided missiles are to be delivered to the defence forces in the new year - despite cutbacks which have hit some re-equipment programmes.

The modern military equipment from the US and Switzerland will replace worn-out and obsolete systems as the defence forces gear up for a new role in the European Rapid Reaction Force, as well as dangerous UN missions like Liberia.

Among the major new equipment coming on stream in the New Year are:

* 25 more Mowag Piranha armoured personnel carriers (APCs) costing €33m, for delivery before September.

* Eight Pilatus PC-9 training aircraft, which can be armed with machine guns and rockets, at a cost of €60m, to be delivered in mid-2004.

* First deliveries of the state-of-the-art American Javelin "fire and forget" anti-tank missiles in a sale approved by the US Congress and costing €68,400 a missile.

With new commitments in Kosovo and Liberia by the defence forces, most of the Army's Mowag APC fleet is already tied up in operations in those countries. The new batch of 25 APCs was cut from a planned order of 40 vehicles.

Other programmes, such as an army request for a light armoured patrol vehicle to work with the Mowags, has been put on the long finger by the Department of Defence.

Instead of the new armoured vehicles, troops have to use ordinary unarmoured Nissan jeeps to patrol in danger zones like Liberia.

Defence Minister Michael Smith is known to be studying possible further land sales to finance this programme.

Mr Smith earlier had to cancel a planned order of five medium lift helicopters for the Air Corps as part of defence cutbacks.

While three of the large helicopters, configured for search and rescue, are now unlikely to be bought as Mr Smith has civilianised the remaining North-West rescue service, there is still a requirement for at least two troop transport helicopters for training and to deploy the elite Army Ranger Wing.

However, the minister has authorised the purchase of the eight Pilatus training planes, which will replace 14 Fouga jets and Warrior planes.

He has also given the green light for a new light helicopter fleet to replace 15 ageing Alouette, Dauphin, and Gazelle helicopters.

Although it is believed up to eight such helicopters will be bought, it is unclear what type will be purchased or when they will come into service.

Despite continued substantial investment in the defence forces, there is still no air interception capability available to defend Irish airspace.

Mr Smith has admitted to the Dail that "outside assistance" from a foreign military power, probably Britain, would be required to deal with a 9/11-style terrorist attack.


For those of you with an Irish Independent log on click here to read the story.


-------------------


Regards,

Frank.

[Guinness]

Just as I told you before:

Your gouverment is counting on third parties to defend your Country.

To bad but understandeble.

Guinness

[alpha foxtrot 07]

turk your absolutly correct in your statement both the US and the UK are streched very thin, i have friends in 3 ANG units here in california all of whom are on active duty right now. if the help wee to come it would be to little to late.

[alpha foxtrot 07]

thanks for the post frank

[Joey d]

Quote (Guinness @ 30 Dec. 2003,11:40)

Just as I told you before: Your gouverment is counting on third parties to defend your Country. To bad but understandeble. Guinness

When you get something for free, you're not likely to go out and buy it. That is the mentality of the government

[Turkey]

The problem is ; that we are not going to get anything free or otherwise, the RAF do not appear to have the resources to cover even the UK , never mind the R.O.I.