British RAF fighter jets intercept Russian bomber planes entering Irish-controlled airspace off the west coast. File photograph: British Ministry of Defence.
* Since the 1950s, Ireland has allowed British jets to intercept Russian aircraft near Irish airspace.
* Ireland's west coast overlooks North Atlantic waters that the Russians and NATO keep a close eye on.
* The deal allowing the intercepts has long been secret, and Irish lawmakers now want more details.
If Russian bombers fly near Ireland, they may be intercepted by fighter jets — but not Irish ones.
Under a secret agreement between the UK and the Republic of Ireland that dates back more than 70 years, Britain will defend Irish airspace from intrusions by Russian aircraft and other aerial threats.
The deal has been amended by Irish leaders over the years, but it has also been kept secret due to Irish memories of British rule and tensions over Northern Ireland, which remained a part of the UK after Ireland was partitioned in 1921.
Read more ....
Update: Who protects Irish skies? The secret air defence deal that dates back to the Cold War (Irish Times)
WNU Editor: I guess this explains why Ireland never really invested in having an air force .... Irish Air Corps (Wikipedia).
I can see why WNU would be angry.
ReplyDeleteThe brits had the same deal with the Irish viz a viz the NAZIs.
Ireland wants to help out without sticking its neck out too far, but the Irish government recognizes asshole governments when they see them.
The Irish law makers? Is this the same body that ignored Irish peacekeepers, who survived a battle with private military contractors in Congo?
Jadotville?
Profiles in courage.
Typical. Irishmen killing Englishmen for 30 years & yet they want the English to protect them. Sounds about right in this upside down backside foremost society.....
ReplyDeleteAt least the Irish bother having defense forces. The Army of Iceland was headquartered in Virginia during the Cold War. Since 1951, Iceland has a pact with the US obligating America to guarantee Icelandic sovereignty and territorial integrity. The UK lost 4 "Cod Wars" to Iceland because of this.
ReplyDeletebig shit Russia has the tsunami bomb on an unimaginable scale...
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThe cold war relic shown in the picture is a flying coffin for it's crew in today's world.