아일랜드, 전투기 14기~18기 도입 결정

[위종민]

1998년 푸가 CM170 마지스텔 경공격기 퇴역 후 아일랜드는 전투기(와 레이다 사이트)를 운용하지 않고 영국에 자국 영공 방위를 맡겼었네요. 현재 고정익기는 수송기인 C295와 리어젯, PC-12, 훈련기인 PC-9 등이 전부입니다. 

이 문제를 해결하기 위해 25억 유로 규모로 전투기 12기~14기를 도입하려고 하네요. 아일랜드 남서부의 섀넌 공항을 모기지로 삼을 예정입니다. 

Ireland plans to buy first fighter jets in 50 years

Ireland plans to buy first fighter jets in 50 years

Ireland plans €2.5bn fighter jet purchase, first acquisition in 50 years

ByClément Charpentreau

March 3, 2025, 13:56 (UTC +3)

29 comments

Defense

Irish Defence Forces

Ireland’s planned purchase of combat jets and the development of a long-overdue national radar system mark a historic turning point in the country’s approach to air defence, ending decades of reliance on the United Kingdom to protect Irish skies.

Since 1998, when the Irish Air Corps disbanded its Light Strike Squadron, which operated aging French Fouga CM170 Magister jets, Ireland has had no combat jets. The country also lacks a primary radar system. Without these capabilities, a “secret bilateral pact” has seen the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) tasked with intercepting and responding to aerial threats in Irish airspace.

According to former Irish Air Corps head General Ralph James, this reliance on a foreign power, coupled with Ireland’s lack of radar coverage, has made the country “probably the most vulnerable” in Europe. Speaking at the Slándáil 2020 security summit, James warned that neutrality alone was not a defence strategy, stressing that Ireland must be able to deny its airspace to both sides in any future conflict.

In February 2022, a report from the Commission on the Defence Forces recommended an increase in air combat and intercept capability through the acquisition of a squadron of combat aircraft. Without a change of doctrine, the report states that the country would be left “without a credible military capability to protect Ireland, its people and its resources for any sustained period.”

Currently, the Irish Air Corps relies solely on eight Pilatus PC-9M trainers for aerial combat capability. These aircraft, ordered in 2004, are primarily utilized by the Flying Training School (FTS) of the Irish Air Corps College. While they can be armed with FN HMG machine guns and LAU-7 rocket pods for close air support (CAS) missions, their maximum speed of 320 knots (approximately 592 kilometers per hour) limits their interception capabilities significantly.

An Irish Air Corps Fouga CM170 Magister (Credit: Simon Boddy / Wikimedia Commons)“Probably the most vulnerable state there is in Europe”

The Government’s new investment plans, reported by The Irish Times, directly address these concerns. Tánaiste [deputy Irish prime minister] and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has requested detailed costings and timelines for acquiring a fleet of at least eight combat jets with a preferred target of 12 to 14 aircraft.

The fighter jet acquisition, estimated to cost between €60 million and €100 million annually over the next 20 to 25 years, could result in total spending of up to €2.5 billion. Initial pilot training would take place overseas, while civilian contractors would likely be responsible for maintaining the aircraft. The exact model of aircraft being considered was not specified.

The plan is to base the aircraft at Shannon Airport (SNN) due to its longer runway and proximity to Ireland’s western approaches, which have seen regular incursions by Russian flight groups in recent years.

This decision builds on Ireland’s 2022 commitment to install a primary surveillance radar system, a capability the country has never previously possessed.

The radar system, expected to cost around €300 million, will have a detection range of at least 370 kilometers and will operate from at least three strategic locations. The system, due to be fully operational by 2028, will enable Ireland to track suspicious aircraft and drones across its sovereign airspace.

Together, these steps aim to give Ireland its first fully independent air policing capability in more than 25 years.

RELATEDGreece declines request to join NATO Baltic Air Policing mission

In the past, some policymakers floated the idea of international air policing, similar to the Baltic Air Policing mission operated by NATO over Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. However, as a non-NATO member, Ireland may lack access to such arrangements.

섀넌 공항의 위치

[백선호]

과연 진짜로 살까요???

[위종민]

매년 1억유로 씩 지출하게 계획을 잡아놓은 거 부터가 뭔가 사업계획을 요상하게 잡아놓은 것 같단 생각이..

[ssn688]

https://gall.dcinside.com/mgallery/board/view/?id=war&no=2213093
......??!?!?!?!?!

[위종민]

가격대보고 FA-50이 노릴 만한 사업이란 생각이 들었는데 유력 후보 중 하나네요.

[iceman]

사업요구서인지 계획서인지 뭔 어느 회사 브로슈어 갖다 놓은 느낌이 왜 나냐고요.