Simon Harris 'convinced' country needs fighter jets to intercept hostile aircraft

The Tánaiste said 'I think we are living in a geo-security and geo-political environment that is volatile and we have a lot of catching up to do'

Tánaiste Simon Harris was speaking at the opening of a new Cadet School and new Garaging Facility at Defence Forces HQ. File picture

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said he was "convinced" that Ireland needs a squadron of fighter jets that are capable of rapid interception of hostile aircraft over Irish airspace.

The proposal was contained in the third of three investment options (known as LOA3) outlined in the Commission on Defence Forces report, published in February 2022.