DF Commission Report

While the pitiful tokenism, rehashed press releases and window dressing continue here with minimal actual spend, it is interesting to look at Austria as an example of a neutral country giving the current security situation the attention it deserves.

Procurements in progress include:

• 4 Batteries each of the IRIS-T ground based air defence system in both the short range SLS and medium range SLM versions.
• The procurement of a long range air defence system with both Patriot and Arrow 3 under consideration.
• 4 x Two Seat Eurofighters in addition to the upgrade of the 15 single seaters already in service.
• 18 x combat capable jet trainers. M346FA is the strong favourite.
• AW169M helicopters x 36 with deliveries under way.
• 4-5 Replacements for the C130.
• A possible 12 further Black Hawk helicopters.

We use the geography card to downplay our defence obligations, when in reality we are an exposed country on Europe's western flank vulnerable to anyone with long range aviation or a navy. Austria on the other hand is a landlocked country with NATO countries between it and trouble and it's quietly going about it's business building up it's capabilities.

Here we publish progress reports on action plans that are high on box ticking but low on action. We instigate a Defence Review and don't action it. Refurbish a few barracks - A lick of paint here and there. One can only hope that this spoofing is soon called out at European level or by the multinationals based here. The continued governmental apathy to defence and the pace of investment is beyond baffling at this point. What is the explanation? Does 1924 still rankle?

According to the DF Vision document to accompany the new Air & Marine Radar they are getting a GBAD system. I presume to replace the RBS 70

Reading the Strategic Framework Update that the department released today i have to say it is very impresive how the Department have rehashed previous information they released. Sir Humprey would be so impressed.

Times is saying Naval Service name change is coming soon so does that mean the new defence forces command structure will happen sooner than we think?

https://www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2024/05/25/newly-purchased-navy-ship-wont-be-deployed-until-staff-numbers-increase/

Handy job, commanding f*ck all people.

You're suggesting they should be higher?

The land forces commander will be over a much larger force with more diverse activities, even though his role in day-to-day national defence may be less. So swings and roundabouts.

I think making the three branches equal under OF-7s is the cleanest way to begin the longer term changes.

It will be like the Night of the Long Knives at the officers Summer BBQ with that many lads and ladies going for the jobs

If anyone is bored and wants a laught the DOD have published the White Paper on Defence Programme Status Report on there website. Yes the whitepaper is still a thing from 2015

Nato allies are concerned about Moscow potentially sabotaging cables and pipelines as well as Ireland’s inability to contribute to its own defence

In tomorrow's Sunday Times

This is embarrassing.

Indeed.

Because we're spongers.

Was it not due to head to killybegs for another open day this weekend?

The poor russians must not know that corrib is nearly empty.

I belive it is fitted out with very limited sub surface ability up to maybe 5/ 10 Meters.

I seen your video with the cavalry school. You had mentioned before about all the current IFVs/ APCs been to big for irish roads. Did they indicate what Mowag replacement they are looking at?

So they dont know what they want but according to the Detailed Implementation Plan the New Armour will start to be delivered in early 2026 less than 18 months from now?

For a bit of context on how things have moved on since we bought our PIII's, Slovenia is currently running a RFP for 106 8x8 AVs budgeted at $700 million..

I just can't see an Irish gov plonking down close to 3/4 of billion Euro for similar here. CAVS is probably a more viable vehicle.