The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces today said Ireland’s only defence from air attack are ground-based anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles.
Lieut Gen Colm Mangan said since the September 11th attacks on America the Defence Forces have been advised to purchase jet interceptors which would, in theory, be able to defend an attack from the air.
However, Lieutt Gen Mangan said there were no immediate plans for the purchase of jet interceptors, but there were plans for the purchase of training aircraft which would have some interceptor capabilities. Until the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center the acquisition of jet interceptors "hasn’t been a priority" a spokesperson for the defence forces said. Now the jets have been recognised as a necessary requirement but the defence forces have no plans to purchase them with the ultimate decision resting with the Department of Defence.
Currently Ireland’s air defence consists of 16 Bofor anti-aircraft guns and 7 surface to air missiles. A further 16 Bofors are due to be purchased to upgrade existing stocks.