Retiring Irish navy chief warns of Cold War-level global threat

Commodore Michael Malone spoke to the 'Irish Examiner' about geopolitical threats — and memories of his 44 years of service including the navy's response to the 1985 Air India disaster 

Flag Officer Commanding Naval Service, Commodore Michael Malone with Lt Cdr Stuart Armstrong, during the inspection as part of his stand down parade at Haulbowline Naval Base, Cork Harbour, on Friday. Picture: Jim Coughlan

Geopolitical threats have reverted to Cold War levels with hybrid warfare a significant concern, the retiring head of the navy has said.

Commodore Michael Malone said that threats were “fairly benign” for the vast majority of his 44-year career. But now, they again resemble the threat level before the fall of the Berlin Wall during the Cold War between the Soviet Union and Western Europe.