@mickthehack Exactly why we need our own fighter squadron. To be capable of policing our own skies.

@ConorHogarty @roy_kinsella @dohville @donlav @kevpipps Agreed, we’ve seen hints at the Trump administration being willing to withhold Denmark’s F35s in return for not budging on Greenland. Same could happen to others who use US aircraft should they not cooperate with Trump.

@Robertciempo @donlav @kevpipps I’d hope not, M-346FA while it is a great aircraft, we need something faster with longer range.

@donlav @kevpipps Agreed, which means FA-50 or we bite the bullet and buy Gripens or Rafales.

@donlav @kevpipps PC-7 MKX or Grob 120TPs along with a fleet of FA-50s seems the most feasible option on cost basis. However if we want to avoid using American parts we may want to stick with European aircraft. Only trainer/light fighter in the EU is the M-346FA, unless we go Rafale or Gripen.

@RobGilbey I won’t be convinced he’s serious until I see a deal signed for fast jets. It’s arguably the most taboo subject in the entire Irish defence conversation.

@dohville @ConorHogarty @MPGillick @JustinMcKenna @MichealMartinTD @SimonHarrisTD @LeoVaradkar @simoncoveney @endakenny I read up on that report recently for a project in college, no ATC on the night of the crash, only a technician up in the tower, no up to date weather reports for Waterford, crew had to commute 20 mins to the base. Total failure by gov and DoD to properly resource Air Corps SAR.

@dohville @RedDave14 Didn’t the Austrians have a lot of problems maintaining their Tranche 1 Typhoons? Unless I’m mistaken. Also wouldn’t be the first time we’ve had 2nd hand jets from Austria.

@kevpipps Quite the lead in time given they first signed to buy them in 2019

@roy_kinsella @dohville That is some of the most arse ways logic I have ever read

@machlooper It’s a savage photo, Fouga 220 nowadays is in SETU Carlows hanger for Aerospace students, I’m lucky enough to get to work on it this semester. Really cool piece of Irish aviation history we have in the college. Out of curiosity Pat, was Light Strike Squadron under No.1 Ops Wing?

@dohville Indeed, I’m fortunate enough to get to work on Fouga 220 in my college, it’s fantastic to get to see old photos of it flying.

The most feasible way for 🇮🇪 to build a fast air capability is to return to a 2-type setup for the PC-9 replacement like in the days of the Marchetti and Fouga Magister. Use Grob 120TPs for basic training, and the FA-50 Block 20 as an advanced trainer/light-multirole fighter.

@ConorHogarty @MichealMartinTD @SimonHarrisTD @CarrollJennifer Any idea if defence will have a dedicated minister?

@MoorcroftRico Would transform the Air Corps/Air Force overnight

@dohville @JoeBrad29403090 @roy_kinsella Was what I was thinking. Only other ones left would be the South African Gripens but they’re being put back into service as I understand

@JoeBrad29403090 @roy_kinsella @dohville Gripen C/D would be perfect for our needs if only there was any left that we could lease off of the Swedes

@Mupper41 They still flying those Chengdu F-7s? Seems their entire Air Force is Chinese made.

@Mupper41 Tis the season