Related to the Irish Air Force topic

Remember the topic about the world’s most useless airforces, and the Irish Air Force was regarded as one of the leading candidates?

Well, look at this. What do they need the Javelin for?:D

Date Posted: 20-Jan-2004

JANE’S MISSILES AND ROCKETS – FEBRUARY 01, 2004

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Ireland to buy Javelin from US
The Irish Department of Defence has selected the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin to meet Ireland’s medium-range anti-tank guided weapon requirement.

The Irish government has signed a Letter of Agreement with the US government for the procurement of Javelin in a programme worth approximately US$12.5 million.

To date, seven international customers have selected Javelin and the sale to Ireland is the first to a neutral, non-aligned nation that has actively supported numerous UN peacekeeping operations throughout the world.

“Ireland’s detailed evaluation process included assessments of whole-life costs and worldwide supportability. Javelin’s high reliability, worldwide support and very low operational and maintenance costs were key factors in our selection,” said Howard Weaver, vice president of the Raytheon/Lockheed Martin Javelin Joint Venture.

“The US government is extremely pleased that the Irish Department of Defence selected Javelin after conducting its extensive and thorough assessment of all candidate systems,” said Colonel Lloyd McDaniels, US Army Close Combat Weapon Systems project manager.

“The Irish Department of Defence is known for its expertise in selecting the best equipment for its forces regardless of its nation of origin.”