Coastal Showdown: Allied Forces Spy on Suspected Russian Subs Lurking Near Irish Coast!

Maritime patrol aircraft from France, Norway, and the United Kingdom have been conducting extensive surveillance over the waters off Sligo and Donegal on the west coast of Ireland.

This operation, which has been ongoing for the past week, is in response to suspected Russian submarine activity near gas pipelines and subsea cables.

Says Retired Lt. Col Stuart Crawford: – ‘Ireland has chosen to have only minimal armed forces which are a gendarmerie really and not much else. Nor has Ireland chosen to be a member of NATO but is content to shelter under its nuclear umbrella and armed forces for its security.

In other words Ireland is on a free ride. That’s why its the maritime patrol aircraft of other nations who are searching for Russian submarines off Ireland’s west coast – the Irish Defence Force doesn’t have any.

Nor does it have any capacity to counter attack from the air, which is carried out on their behalf by the RAF.

If I were Irish I’d be a bit embarrassed about it to be honest.’

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Lt Col Stuart Crawford is a defence analyst and former army officer. Sign up for his podcasts and newsletters at www.DefenceReview.uk

Lt Col Stuart Crawford’s latest book Tank Commander (Hardback) is available now

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