Interesting articles

You are correct as to the automatic mutual support element that arises under NATO, however let me put it this way, is it hypocritical that we continue to implicitly expect the UK, France or other countries we have good relations with (who also happen to be in NATO) to jump militarily to our aid were we hypothetically threatened, while were the shoe on the other foot, let us be honest the best we would offer is platitudes and moral support? Admittedly any military support we could offer would be limited, but even any token military support by way of solidarity to friends would not be made. IMHO it is hypocritical.

Also is it hypocritical that we have indirectly benefitted from the relative peace and stability afforded Europe through NATO without any meaningful input or risk to us. IMHO it is. It could be argued we got away with it before for a number of reasons. However it is clear there is a reevaluation of security and the threat profile facing our proximate neighbourhood. Our neighbours are making significant choices in terms of what they must trade off against increasing their defence spending to counter threats that are diametrically opposite to our economic and perceived moral interests. Meanwhile we are cutting the VAT so people can eat out .. The world is fully of hypocrisy, but IMHO the days we can continue to indulge in this cost or consequence free, in this particular policy realm at least, are coming to an end.

The government acts on the will of the people and i do not think the public sentiment has changed the way you are suggesting. The army and navy is struggling to recruit, like in a lot of Western countries, as young people are not interesting in fighting for their own country, let alone for others.

I think we should invest in our navy and airforce but I do not believe unfortunately that it is a vote winner for any party, despite the threat of Russia.

I agree with most of what you have written, except to point out I haven’t suggested public opinion is aligned with my views, there is IMHO a large disconnect from what passes sometimes for public / opinion debate in Ireland and the emerging reality elsewhere.

To be fair I do believe some of our political folks get it as they are exposed to this at international/ EU fora, but lack in the leadership stakes to follow through on it. The outworking of this collective immaturity will likely see the election of a pacifist next week who sees such matters through the lens of a student union president….

The NATO ships that visited Dublin have conducted joint exercises with LÉ WB Yeats (P63)

Yes.

It was mentioned over the summer, they did a FleetEx with the 3 and posted footage.

I suppose the fact that they still have crews and it wasn't just for likes, is a positive.

I do hope the Part-Time minister is watching the news, and gets that sticking ourselves into Gaza is only going to end badly. There isn't going to be a "Peace", and we have no business being involved.

great to see exercises conducted with other EU navies, long may it continue.
Incidentally I see there were associated protests, by the Communist Party, maybe they have some residual sympathy with the USSR and want to let folks from that part of the world play havoc with undersea infrastructure connecting this island … 

They were designed for a Bushmaster mount, suppose it will depend on what is selected at the end of the day.

The guns they are replacing....we're these purchased second hand from the German navy?

The RN DS30M 30mm remote naval ship defence system is made by Northop Grumman these days, based on the Mk 44 Bushmaster mount.

It would be ideal as the sole fixed mount for the Lake-Class and as a secondary for the P50s and P60s. Simple, proven, versatile.

The 2 year wait for the 145's was expected, there were 33 ordered in 2024 alone before we placed our order in December. The lack of DAS for the Falcon is just dumb.

I see @mupper2 you've a new rumour to add to the list for hardware. Not sure I'd put the rifle replacement high up the list though to be honest, between their relatively light use and the range of new calibre's and the uncertainty of what NATO will actually pick long term.

It would be nice if we got to the point where something is actually being ordered rather than just rumoured though

I think UK has still some responsibility for how Israel/Palestine turned out so perhaps they also think it is their duty to contribute troops.

Unifill in trouble all ready. The government likes soundbites about what we will do for peacekeeping. Will the state put the hand in the pocket to pay for 40 troops?

https://www.thejournal.ie/ireland-may-be-forced-to-cut-up-to-40-troops-from-lebanon-unifil-6851606-Oct2025/

Don't be silly, the government always love the opportunity to give it the billy big balls in front of the international partners. I mean we joined effing CERN today, isn't that ironic?

Our defence budget is, as this forum well knows, always underspent. The government will absolutely pay the difference to keep a full complement of the Irish Batt there until the finish.