Defence Forces test new generation air defence system

Irish soldiers have tested a new generation of air defence weaponry in Sweden to ensure the Defence Forces has a “state of the art” system for the next 20 years.

During a four-day exercise, personnel from Artillery Regiments based in Cork and Athlone conducted live firing and simulated training on the RBS 70 and the latest generation of the system, the RBS 70 NG.

“The Defence Forces has operated a Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD), RBS 70 system for over 30 years,” said a spokeswoman for the Defence Forces.