The Defence Forces can’t use their state of the art missile system to protect President Joe Biden when he arrives here this week – because the radar doesn’t work.
Military bosses had been planning to use the multi-million euro RBS 70 air defence system during Mr Biden’s three-day visit here – but that plan has now been scrapped. The Swedish-built system can fire deadly laser-guided missiles up to 6kms -and was due to be a key plank of the state’s plan to protect Mr Biden when he is here on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
But we have established that the system cannot now be deployed because the Giraffe short range radar system that works in tandem with it is obsolete. That radar tracks the skies for any threats for the RBS 70 to take out – from planes and helicopters and even drones.
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But because the Giraffe system is now obsolete, The RBS 70 has no way of tracking targets, sources confirmed, and will now not be deployed “there is no point having a state of the art air defence system if there is no radar to work with it – it is pointless,” one source said.
It’s understood Defence Forces top brass have been aware of the problem with the radar system that works with the RBS 70 for some time – and asked mandarins on the Department of Defence to provide them with a new system. But that request was turned down and the RBS system now cannot be used.
A spokesman for the Department of Defence declined to comment last night -m as did a spokesman for the Defence Forces. The Departmental spokesman said: “The Dept does not comment on security matters.”
Although the RBS 70 cannot be used, sources say there will still be a sizable Defence Forces participation in the operation to protect Mr Biden when he is here. The Air Corps will enforce no fly zones around Louth, Dublin and Mayo when he visits – and the Naval Service will also deploy ships along the coastline.
It’s also understood a large number of army personnel will also be involved in the security operation. That includes soldiers form the elite Army Ranger Wing, as well as specialist engineers and search teams.
Thousands of gardai are also expected to take part in the operation – everything from uniformed officers to armed detectives from Special Branch and the Emergency Response Unit. Helicopters from the Air Support Unit will also be involved in the operation.
But America is also sending hundreds of personnel to protect Mr Biden here. Sources say it is likely US Air Force jets will be on standby, either in Britain or on an aircraft carried off the west coast of Ireland to patrol when he is here.
And the Secret Service, the body specially created to protect presidents, will have a frightening array of deadly equipment here. That includes: Black Hawk helicopters, Avenger surface to air missiles, Sniper rifles, Machine guns, shotguns and automatic pistols.
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