Northern Ireland Aviation Enthusiast's Forum

Military Aviation => Modern Military Aircraft => Topic started by: jasT1981 on October 27, 2021, 05:55:17 PM

Title: Ireland considering purchase of jet fighters
Post by: jasT1981 on October 27, 2021, 05:55:17 PM: 2nd hand F16s or Grippen's would be my bet.

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/ireland-considering-purchase-of-jet-fighters/?fbclid=IwAR1Uo7vwJJjLYFffFBJUjuTJalnDMOO8rz8V4pP0_ixqUY-TZ8m4MFbzaLA
Title: Re: Ireland considering purchase of jet fighters
Post by: Angry Turnip on October 27, 2021, 06:13:02 PM: This seems to crop up every now and again, I am not convinced the IAC would go for an advanced interceptor, IMHO would be something like the MB-339, L-159,or perhaps even a version of the Hawk would be more suitable, but who knows. There are plenty of small agile light fighters to choose from that can carry AIM-9`s or similar if required. I like the look of the M-346FA. 8)
Title: Re: Ireland considering purchase of jet fighters
Post by: Sneaky_Nikon on October 27, 2021, 06:23:16 PM: Without an ADGE and the investment in personnel to make a QRA flight a realistic proposition, actual fighter/interceptors are a bit pointless.
New gen trainer with the ability to mount IR AAMs might be a more realistic ambition.
Title: Re: Ireland considering purchase of jet fighters
Post by: Furryforest on October 28, 2021, 08:56:44 AM: Before I go down a rabbit hole, are there any stats on incursions in Irish (or even British) airspace?
Title: Re: Ireland considering purchase of jet fighters
Post by: Angry Turnip on October 28, 2021, 11:08:26 AM: The main culprit for possible incursions is the Russian`s. They seem to be fond of getting as close in as possible, and have been doing so since the late 1940`s. It`s all to test the other sides QRA reaction times, if any.
The problem is the Russian`s turn their transponders off, and don`t speak to ATC, so no-one is aware they are there, which has the potential, however remote, of a mid-air collision.

I did a quick " google " check to see if there was figures for UK airspace available, but most seem to be links to UK newspaper sites riddled with pop-ups, so I have not posted any links here.
This section of the RAF website explains the QRA for the UK.... Quick reaction alert | Royal Air Force (mod.uk) (https://www.raf.mod.uk/what-we-do/overview/quick-reaction-alert/)
Title: Re: Ireland considering purchase of jet fighters
Post by: Furryforest on October 28, 2021, 05:19:31 PM: Nice link AT. I would have thought NI would have been ripe for a radar?

Definitely a struggle to find figures.
Title: Re: Ireland considering purchase of jet fighters
Post by: Sneaky_Nikon on October 29, 2021, 12:55:43 AM: Quote from: Furryforest on October 28, 2021, 05:19:31 PM
Nice link AT. I would have thought NI would have been ripe for a radar?

We did have for many years. Ulster Radar at Bishopscourt/St. John's point.
Title: Re: Ireland considering purchase of jet fighters
Post by: Furryforest on October 29, 2021, 07:29:31 PM: I suppose realistically the Russians would have to head quite a bit north and come in from the west for it to justify maintaining coverage here.