1/16 A thread on air policing, by which we mean the use of interceptor aircraft in peacetime to maintain the integrity of our airspace (as opposed to ‘air superiority’ or ‘intercepting’ or some of the other loosely related terms that are used). @IRLDeptDefence @BerryCathal @DFPRB

2/16 So, what does that really mean? It means using military assets to maintain the safety of our airspace from interference or other disruption. The crucial factor, however, is this is a peacetime function. @BerryCathal @GCraughwell @CharlieFlanagan @nealerichmond @lichamber

3/16 Fighter aircraft are used in the interceptor role because, in the same way that peacekeeping is not a job for soldiers but only soldiers can do it, only fighter aircraft have the requisite capabilities... @SorcaClarke_TD @GaryGannonTD @lawlessj @donlav @LauraMcGonigle @yfg

4/16 ...in terms of physical performance and onboard sensors to carry out this duty practically.

Let’s see what that might actually mean in practice for Ireland 👇
@Fiona_Kildare @davidstantontd @MattShanahanTD @mickthehack @Edward__Burke @KennethMcDonagh @jjsalmo @tchukstr

5/15 Taking the example of Russian (it’s usually Russian in this locale) military aircraft flying through the Shannon FIR (or Flight Information Region) off the west coast and all the international air traffic that that automatically involves. @ahernegerald @PeterOHalloran1