Interesting articles

sparky42

I see both North and South SF are raging about all this military spending, but I suppose the idea of the DF and other Western militaries being strengthened was always going to be a problem for that shower of shite.

CrabRevolution

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123235961#Comment_123235961

SF have a strange approach to the DF. They decry military spending, but simultaneously criticise the government for the DF being understrength, decry past barrack closures, demand pay increases for DF members etc.

It's as if they want a large number of people on the army payroll, but don't want them equipped or capable of actually doing anything.

sparky42

Admiral Mellet has done a piece for Primetime tonight:

https://www.rte.ie/news/primetime/2025/0306/1500624-former-defence-forces-chief-says-irish-neutrality-is-a-myth/

Larbre34

The EU 27 agreed a text on the 800 Billion Euro ReArm Europe plan.

https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/sv/statement_25_673

thomil

I love participating in this and the other threads in this forum, I really do. But let's be honest, I can't be the only one who hates living through these constant paradigm shifts?

sparky42

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123241940#Comment_123241940

Should I mention that Tusk has floated Poland considering nukes?

thomil

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123241944#Comment_123241944

Can't say I blame him, both because of his immediate neighbourhood and because, as a German, it would be a bit hypocritical, given the B61-12 bombs at the Luftwaffe's Nörvenich air base.

I'd start drinking if I wasn't broke…

Larbre34

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123241940#Comment_123241940

Geopolitically, or domestically regarding defence?

Its certainly the greatest time of upheaval in the World order, if you like, in my lifetime. And the fall of the USSR was momentous enough at the turn of the 90s.

I tend to take an optimistic view, overall. As a bit of an economic history buff, there is a very long list of what some call 'malaise eras', which is to say; isolationism, economic stagnation, industrial decline, weak political leadership, falls in living standards, widening poverty gaps etc, etc.

President William McKinley of America ushered in one such long period beginning in 1890, that enriched a few, but devastated many. Teddy Roosevelt pulled them out of it a bit, but Herbert Hoover doubled-down and contributed to an environment that drove the Great Depression. And so FDR had to turn the ship around, once again.

Trump has said he admires McKinley's policies, which shows he doesn't at all understand them, but knows only that the 'Gilded Age' families of New York became very rich and endowed unseemly levels of political patronage. Its worth noting that McKinley was shot and fatally wounded by an anarchist in 1901, about 7 months into his second term, so make of that what you will.

My point is, that the effect of these old and failed policies on an ignorant electorate does contain a silver lining for other economies and power blocks. If American self-harm galvanises Europe Inc out of its own malaise era since the crash of 2008, with a huge drive for investment and self-sufficiency, it will be a historical marker.

As the UK liberal and contemporary of William McKinley, Joe Chamberlain said in bastardising an old Chinese proverb; 'may you live in interesting times.'

banie01

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123241944#Comment_123241944

The one certainty that will come from Trump's demolition of America's place in the international security apparatus is, IMHO.

That nuclear proliferation will accelerate and nations like Taiwan, Iran, Algeria, Argentina, Brazil and others will all pursue Nukes as a means of ensuring security.

In Europe, France offering to extend their nuclear weapons to cover Europe as a deterrent is vital. Macron's speech and offer to do so are very welcome.

The UK is screwed in that regard currently. Their deterrent is tied at hip to the US and they have no means of delivery other than Trident…

The limitations that places on UK's strategic freedom should not be underestimated. The RN really needs to assess the possibility of rearming with French M51.

Even within Europe, with an unreliable USA can those NATO nations reliant upon nuclear weapons sharing via PAL, actually be certain that they will be afforded the ability to respond in kind to a nuclear attack? Turkey, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium & Italy could all seek to replace US weapons and remove themselves from reliance on yanks. Be that via sharing with France or a Euro Atomic weapon programme (exc Turkey obviously).

It is the most dangerous time for proliferation I can recall.

mupper2

Looks like the DF are looking for both Class 1 and II UAS. The laser designation capability and "precision coastal fires" for the Class II is interesting.

"

This Prior Information Notice is to alert the market of the requirement. Total Quantity or Scope; UAS systems are in widespread usage amongst contemporary militaries for a variety of taskings. The scope of this enquiry is to establish the extent of market offerings available further to the broad parameters as listed in the questionnaire type annex. These relate to a potential successor platform to the current platform in use with the Defence Forces predominantly used for ISTAR purposes. No strike capability is currently contemplated but the ability of either the platform and/or the ground control component to seamlessly deliver a strike capability might be stated in the responses. The platform sought would ideally be fixed wing, although Vertical Take-Off & Landing (VTOL) systems will also be considered. If fixed wing the platform should be catapult launched, preferably propelled by electric motor and carry a dual Electro-Optical and IR ISTAR payload. It is additionally envisaged the platform would align with NATO class 1 –Small designation. Parties wishing to respond to this PIN might, by reference to the response mechanism used on this platform submit replies to the several requests for information listed in ANNEX 1 on or by the 30th of April 2025. ANNEX 1. State the name, model designation and NSM (if any) of the proposed platform. 2. State; a. MTOW b. Endurance c. Payload type(s) and weight d. Speed e. Operational Altitude f. Max VLOS & BVLOS (if any) ranges g. Launch/Recovery methods h. ISTAR components & capabilities i. Additional capabilities (non-lethal such as e.g ECM) 3. Is the platform currently in service with any NATO/EU military, if so elaborate 4. State the territories associated with the critical supply chain elements of the platform and sub-assemblies 5. Can the platform be seamlessly configured to host a strike capability. If so elaborate. 6. What is the ROM cost of four platforms, ground station, two spare sets of flight batteries per platform, charging docks (3) and typical spares/consumables for 25 hours/12 missions per platform. 7. What warranties are provided. 8. What is typical delivery time from delivery of purchase order. 9. Are simulators available 10. What levels of support are available. 11. Does any element of ITAR attach to the platform, sub-assemblies and capability components 12. What user, field & workshop technical training is available."

"

The Department of Defence as the executive authority of the Minister for Defence on behalf of the Irish Defence Forces is undertaking a preliminary market engagement exercise to outline a planned procurement of UAS. This Prior Information Notice is to alert the market of the requirement. Total Quantity or Scope; UAS systems are in widespread usage amongst contemporary militaries for a variety of taskings. The scope of this enquiry is to establish the extent of market offerings available further to the broad parameters as listed in the questionnaire type annex. These relate to a platform with an equivalent not currently in service with the Defence Forces. The new platform will be used predominantly for traditional ISTAR purposes and will also be used to support precision coastal fires. The platform will have a greater endurance, max range and variety of capabilities than what is currently operated by the Defence Forces. No strike capability is currently contemplated but the ability of either the platform and/or the ground control component to seamlessly deliver a strike capability might be stated in the responses. The platform sought should be fixed wing and be catapult launched with no need for a runway. The platform should be propelled by combustion engine or electric motor. The platform must carry an integrated dual Electro-Optical and IR sensor in a single payload with a laser designator for precision targeting and support for correcting artillery fire. It is additionally envisaged the platform would align with NATO class 2 –Tactical designation. Thus the platform must have a minimum range of 100-250km with an endurance of up to 12 hours and should be capable of operating in all weather conditions, day and night. The platform must be able to integrate with commonly used battlespace management systems used across NATO member states and comply with all NATO integration standards including using link 16 for data communications. The platform must align with the NATO capability code ISTAR-GROUP-BDE’s Capstone Capability Statement 1.02: Capable of conducting all-source ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance), Target Acquisition and EW to support operations of a manoeuver force at Brigade level and also the Principal Capability Statement 2.01: Capable of providing appropriate levels of intelligence fusion, battlefield surveillance, EW, HUMINT, Target acquisition and Close Reconnaissance in the Brigade area of responsibility. Parties wishing to respond to this PIN might, by reference to the response mechanism used on this platform submit replies to the several requests for information listed in ANNEX 1 on or by the 30th of April 2025. ANNEX 1. State the name, model designation and NSM (if any) of the proposed platform. 2. State; a. MTOW b. Endurance c. Payload type(s) and weight d. Speed e. Operational Altitude f. Max LOS & BVLOS (if any) ranges g. Launch/Recovery methods h. ISTAR components & capabilities i. Additional capabilities (non-lethal such as e.g ECM, laser designator) 3. Is the platform currently in service with any NATO/EU military, if so elaborate 4. State the territories associated with the critical supply chain elements of the platform and sub-assemblies. 5. Can the platform be seamlessly configured to host a strike capability. If so elaborate. 6. What is the ROM cost of four complete systems, including ground station and all supporting equipment as well as all spare parts/consumables to enable two 12 hour missions per system. 7. What warranties are provided. 8. What is typical delivery time from delivery of purchase order. 9. Are simulators available 10. What levels of support are available. 11. Does any element of ITAR attach to the platform, sub-assemblies and capability components 12. What user, field & workshop technical training is available."

roadmaster

The 105s are still alive & well.

https://www.irishmirror.ie/news/irish-news/shoot-scoot-irish-defence-forces-34857832?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target

mupper2

The new combat clothing system's been cancelled.

https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/courts/challenge-over-30m-contract-to-replace-irish-defence-forces-uniform-withdrawn/a720341799.html

sparky42

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123264509#Comment_123264509

Well if Harris is going to use the National Security clause to improve procurement, just give the contract back out to the winner under that?

Larbre34

The article is paywalled, but wasn't that supposed to be an American supplier? Is that why it was cancelled?

sparky42

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123265724#Comment_123265724

The Northern Ireland loser to the contract started legal proceedings contesting the selection, seems the department decided to can the procurement rather than go through the courts.

Larbre34

The government can't afford to fold like a cheap deckchair on any sort of procurement.

All it does is chum the water for all sorts of contractors to delay and obfuscate when they aren't selected. Imagine if every contract on the Metro went that way?

The government needs to hammer chancers, not just by eschewing the Courts, but by aggressively counter-suing for vexatious action.

And in the case of military procurement, you're absolutely correct about using national security overrides.

Alkers

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123267316#Comment_123267316

Well it depends totally on the nature of the challenge, if it's legitimate, better to cancel the competition and go again than wait for the courts to determine same.

Larbre34

Nah, why die on that hill. Its only a bit of light kit. Absolutely steamroll the buggers. Mark the card of every potential cheeky tenderer.

And I'm not saying it just to be bloody minded. I've sat on assessment boards for public civil tenders for large civil works and public transport tenders for more years than I care to remember. And you will never not come across at least one absolute piss taker, tendering in every competition. They deserve short shrift. To do otherwise is to be negligent with taxpayers money.

roadmaster

If the article from last week in the UK Times about a Radar Head in the midlands is correct would the Cooley,Wicklow & Blackstairs mountains not cause an issue for East Coast survillance?

Larbre34

No.

Modern high energy multi-spectrum systems operate 'over the horizon', using ionispheric refraction and ultra-low frequency radio waves, which can follow the curvature of the Earth.

Its how these same systems will operate in the maritime surveillance environment.

Once calibrated, the technology will just ignore mountains and other landmarks, without having any need for a line-of-sight on its targets.

roadmaster

A very Sad Read.

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/spotlight/arid-41595622.html

vswr

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123276323#Comment_123276323

90% sure it will be an L-band radar… not multi-spectrum or anything with OTH capability… Wicklow mountains will cause some sort of low level blockage, where ever you place it (unless it's in the Wicklow mountains).

I imagine the Dublin and Baldonnel radars will infill a lot of that.

Mt Leinster would be ideal IMO

banie01

I along with others have posited that a huge risk of Trump and the US pivot into whatever it is they are trying to do, would be the risk of nuclear proliferation. Once the USA demonstrates any equivocation on its willingness to support it's Allies and countries reliant on US security guarantee and nuclear umbrella? Countries reliant upon would seek nuclear self sufficiency in terms of their own nukes.

Well, I hadn't counted upon Canada being one of the 1st out of the gate with their own defence analysts & academics suggesting it's time to nuke up. If the Canadians are at this point 60days in Trump's 2nd term? Imagine the panic in Taipei, Seoul & Tokyo that we aren't aware of.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-canada-needs-to-develop-its-own-nuclear-program/

sparky42

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289640#Comment_123289640

Not just Allies, with Russias invasion and using nukes as a threat to get away with it, I imagine more than just Iran is going to be pushing for WMD capability as well as “western” nations. Just as the mine ban treaty is likely to see more and more signatories leave it as we’ve seen along Eastern Europe.

Hotblack Desiato

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123289640#Comment_123289640

The Canadian CANDU are said to be the most efficient of any civilian reactors in the world at breeding plutonium - so they've quite the head start already

Larbre34

We in Ireland should give them a shout. We are still going to need a long-term energy solution to bridge gaps in renewable supply, such as when weather conditions aren't playing ball for either wind or solar.

LNG certainly isn't it, if for no other reason than its American sourced. If we can start thinking about state-to-state partnerships with Canada and its provinces, it could open all sorts of doors for Canadian interests to invest in Europe, through Ireland and France as the speakers of its two national languages.

Hotblack Desiato

Don't forget Belgium 😀

Larbre34

I don't wish to drag things too far off topic, but I guess defence and energy security are more intertwined that ever. So apropos of posts above, there was an interesting discussion on the Today programme this morning on the future of small reactors

https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22500719/

Notmything

New state of the art body armour ordered and due to be delivered by the end of the year:

https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2025/0330/1504819-defence-forces-body-armour/

sparky42

must be a slow day in the Examiner to run with this story, the UKDJ coverage was two weeks ago?

https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-41603467.html