Ireland is facing a historic turning point in its defence policy as it plans to build its own air defence. After decades of dependence on the UK's Royal Air Force (RAF), which has been responsible for monitoring and protecting Irish airspace, the plan is to equip its own air force with modern fighter jets and a long-awaited radar system. These decisions are aimed at giving Ireland independent control over its airspace and ending the previous practice of relying on the help of a foreign partner.
Ireland has not had its own combat aircraft since 1998, the year the Irish Air Force dismantled its last fleet of aircraft, which were equipped with French Fouga CM170 Magister fighters. Instead of investing in air defence, Ireland relied on a "secret bilateral agreement" that allowed the UK to monitor and combat potential threats in Irish airspace. The RAF thus assumed responsibility for Ireland's air security, including the identification and interception of unidentified flying objects.
This practice was mainly due to Ireland's neutrality and the country's geopolitical situation. As a neutral state, Ireland was not part of NATO and therefore could not develop its own air defence capabilities. However, these political circumstances led to Ireland being considered one of the most vulnerable countries in Europe in terms of air security. General Ralph James, former head of the Irish Air Corps, expressed fears at the Slándáil 2020 Security Summit that Ireland was "probably the most vulnerable country in Europe" due to its dependence on the UK.
James stressed that Ireland's neutrality alone was not a sufficient defence strategy. In order to defend itself in a future conflict, Ireland would have to be able to close its airspace to both sides of the conflict - a goal that seemed difficult to achieve without its own air force and a modern radar system.
The Road to Independence: New Defense Investments
The Irish government has now decided to address this lack of air defence capabilities. Defence Minister Simon Harris has presented concrete plans that include a comprehensive expansion of the Irish air force and an improvement in airspace surveillance capabilities. This includes the acquisition of at least eight, but ideally 12 to 14 modern fighter jets. These jets, whose annual cost is estimated at 60 to 100 million euros, are to accompany the Irish military for the next 20 to 25 years. A total investment framework of up to 2,5 billion euros is planned for these purchases.
Funding the fighter jets could result in a permanent burden on Irish defence spending, but one that appears necessary to ensure national security. As Ireland does not have its own aircraft mechanics for these special jets, civilian contractors are likely to be entrusted with the maintenance and upkeep of the machines, which could incur additional costs.
The planned pilot training will initially take place abroad, as Ireland does not currently have its own instructors for these highly specialized tasks. Although the location of the air force has not yet been finalized, Shannon Airport is mentioned as a likely location. With a longer runway and its strategic location on Ireland's western coastline - an area that has been repeatedly flown over by Russian air groups in recent years - the airport offers a suitable base for the new air force.
The long-awaited radar system: Another milestone
In addition to the fighter jets, Ireland also plans to introduce a modern radar system that will provide the country with independent air surveillance for the first time. Ireland has never had a primary radar system, which has severely limited its ability to monitor airspace. As of 2022, plans to build such a system have been officially announced and the Irish government has now provided an initial cost estimate for the project. The radar tower, estimated to cost around €300 million, will cover a range of at least 370 kilometers and will be installed at at least three strategic locations.
The new radar system will enable Ireland to identify and track suspicious aircraft and drones in its airspace, helping security authorities to detect potential threats in a timely manner. The system is expected to be fully operational by 2028, giving Ireland fully independent airspace surveillance and security for the first time in more than a quarter of a century.
Challenges and perspectives
Despite these progressive plans, challenges remain. As a non-NATO member, Ireland is not part of the international air policing system practised in some NATO countries such as the Baltic countries. Even though this type of international cooperation has been proposed as a solution by Irish politicians in the past, as a neutral state Ireland faces the challenge of building the necessary military infrastructure to ensure its airspace surveillance.
Developing its own air defence system is not only a technological challenge for Ireland, but also a political one. The decision to rely on independent air forces marks a fundamental shift in Irish defence policy and could have implications for the country's foreign relations. Ireland must now grapple with the geopolitical implications of this decision, particularly in light of its role as a neutral state in Europe.
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