Defence Forces outsourcing of maintenance contracts 'could jeopardise security'

The maintenance of Defence Forces equipment, including helicopters and ships, is being outsourced to private contractors and 'this is a false economy', as well as a 'security risk'.

The security of the State could be "at risk" because the Defence Forces are increasingly outsourcing the maintenance of military equipment to overseas private contractors.

Senator Gerard Craughwell, a former Defence Forces member, said that outsourcing state operations is a concern, with fears that maintenance of the country's military ships and planes could grind to a halt.