SLXOwft
10th Nov 2020, 17:47
The Irish Times reported on security concerns raised by unamed Defence Force Officer over the possible basing of FW aircraft for SAR top cover in the UK, gathering data outside of Irish control. Contained in the story, and more concerning for some of us perhaps, are fears expressed that the viability of the Air Corps is threatened.
"According to informed sources, Air Corps officers, including its commanding officer Brig Gen Rory O’Connor, have also raised concerns about the future viability of the Air Corps if it is entirely excluded from SAR operations."
Full story can be found here: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/military-officers-raise-concerns-over-potential-use-of-uk-based-aircraft-for-rescue-missions-1.4401313
Some of Ireland’s search and rescue (SAR) functions may be carried out by aircraft based in the UK, raising concerns among senior Irish military officers.
Private companies will shortly be asked to tender for a €60-million-a-year contract to provide a new SAR service to replace the current service provided by the Irish Coast Guard, CHC Ireland and the Air Corps.
The winning bidder will likely be required to base four SAR helicopters at Irish bases. It will also be required to provide a fixed-wing aircraft or drone to provide top cover for rescue missions and be available on a 24-hour basis .
Clandestine
About six private aircraft companies are expected to bid for the contract, of which at least two have fixed-wing aircraft based in the UK. At least one of these is also contracted to do clandestine work for the UK’s ministry of defence.
Irish officers are concerned about the intelligence implications of allowing UK-based aircraft to collect data over Ireland as they provide top cover for rescue missions.
“The main worry is control of the data. It’s not that we wouldn’t necessarily give this data to the UK if they asked for it. But if the planes are flying out of an English airfield we have zero control over it,” a military source said
"According to informed sources, Air Corps officers, including its commanding officer Brig Gen Rory O’Connor, have also raised concerns about the future viability of the Air Corps if it is entirely excluded from SAR operations."
Full story can be found here: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/military-officers-raise-concerns-over-potential-use-of-uk-based-aircraft-for-rescue-missions-1.4401313
Some of Ireland’s search and rescue (SAR) functions may be carried out by aircraft based in the UK, raising concerns among senior Irish military officers.
Private companies will shortly be asked to tender for a €60-million-a-year contract to provide a new SAR service to replace the current service provided by the Irish Coast Guard, CHC Ireland and the Air Corps.
The winning bidder will likely be required to base four SAR helicopters at Irish bases. It will also be required to provide a fixed-wing aircraft or drone to provide top cover for rescue missions and be available on a 24-hour basis .
Clandestine
About six private aircraft companies are expected to bid for the contract, of which at least two have fixed-wing aircraft based in the UK. At least one of these is also contracted to do clandestine work for the UK’s ministry of defence.
Irish officers are concerned about the intelligence implications of allowing UK-based aircraft to collect data over Ireland as they provide top cover for rescue missions.
“The main worry is control of the data. It’s not that we wouldn’t necessarily give this data to the UK if they asked for it. But if the planes are flying out of an English airfield we have zero control over it,” a military source said