Originally Posted by
Declan275
The second requirement is for a West Coast/over the Atlantic QRA. Here you’re talking about a different beast altogether as an air policing fighter will be required to get airborne, travel to intercept ( for example) a Tu 142 and squawk beside it for a while until it does whatever it is they do over the Porcupine Banks and goes away. In terms of a Cold War analogy, you need a Lightning on the east coast and a Mig 31 on the West.
On what basis ? A Tu 142 has every right to fly off Ireland's coast as long it does not breach Irish borders, just like any other aircraft.
Just like it has every right to fly off US coasts and just like US Aircraft have every right fly off Russian air space.
Paying millions for a QRA will be for what purpose ? Joining Nato air forces going up to take photos and wave ?