Sir, – Neglect by successive governments has put the defence and security of our country in peril. The Commission on the Defence Forces report in 2022 showed that we are defenceless on land, sea and air, if rogue states like Russia were to attack.
While we are reliant on our nearest neighbour, the UK, to thwart any threats under an agreement signed in 1952, successive governments to this day have sat on their hands without taking any steps to enhance our security and defence capabilities.
We have eight aircraft, one of which is the Pilatus PC-9, and two Eurocopter EC135 T2s, none of which are capable of intercepting large bombers like the Tupolev TU95 bomber or a MIG 29.
Our Air Corps aircraft, along with L/70s, anti-air auto-cannons, and RBS-70, an air-defence missile system, are all that stands between us and our enemies.
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The Irish Naval Service, which had six non-operational vessels sitting in Haulbowline because it is unable to adequately staff them, are primarily used to intercept fishing trawlers or other boats that may be carrying drugs or other illegal contraband. It is incapable of fighting off or stopping large frigates or warships of rogue nations.
Our Army, which has highly trained personnel, does not have the strength or capabilities to stop an invasion to our shores, given the increasing numbers resigning. The lack of precision anti-aircraft or anti-missile systems or indeed large tanks, capable of pushing back any type invading force, is astonishing.
Because of this dearth of equipment and personnel, we are the weakest link in the European chain.
No amount of political obfuscation or rhetoric will undo these facts. – Yours, etc,
CHRISTY GALLIGAN,
Letterkenny,
Co Donegal.