Fighter jets unaffordable

Sean O’Riordan (‘How much to protect skies above Ireland?’, Analysis, February 11) has raised an important issue.

However, how practical is it for Ireland to invest scarce resources in fighter aircraft fast enough to intercept a hijacked passenger jet or a Russian bomber?

For example, the Irish Air Corps could buy six modernised ex-Israeli Kfir fighter jets for $20m each.

Capable of flying at twice the speed of sound, the Kfir would be a far more capable interceptor than the relatively limited Aero L159 or BAE Hawk trainer-type aircraft suggested by Mr O’Riordan.

To be effective, at least one such interceptor would have to be maintained ready to fly 24/7 at short notice.

Such a service is so expensive to maintain that Switzerland now provides fighter cover for its airspace only during office hours, Monday to Friday.

Austria isn’t much better.

An air surveillance network would also be required to provide advance warning for the interceptors.

Estonia operates such a system using two modern radars that cost $32m.

Although loved by military pilots, fighter jets are a luxury we can’t afford.

It would be more cost effective to invest in long-range maritime patrol aircraft, given the vast areas of ocean Ireland is responsible for.

Karl Martin

64 Bayside Walk

Bayside,

Dublin 13