Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 March 2022
13. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Defence the position regarding the stocks of anti-armour weapons; if he will provide further information on other heavy artillery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12683/22]
View answerEquipment priorities for the Defence Forces are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence on a civil military basis as part of the capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) process.
This includes the provision of anti-armour defensive weapons platforms and artillery systems for the Defence Forces, in order to ensure that they can carry out the roles assigned by Government. For operational and security reasons I am not in a position to give precise figures as to the number of these anti-armour platforms and associated ammunition levels held by the Defence Forces.
I am advised by the Military Authorities that the principal anti-armour systems in use by the Defence Forces are the SAAB made AT4 Short range anti armour weapon and the Carl Gustav 84mm recoil-less rifle platforms. The Defence Forces also operate the Lockheed Raytheon FGM-148 Javelin system. These are all shoulder fired systems operated by dismounted infantry.
Regarding artillery platforms I am advised that the Defence Forces do not operate heavy artillery platforms. The largest systems used by the Defence Forces comprise of the L118/119 105mm light gun/howitzer and the M87 120mm mortar system. Both of these non-automated systems are towed platforms and provide fire support with the aid of an integrated fire control system.
I am advised that sufficient stocks of ammunition needed for these platforms are retained by the Defence Forces to meet both training and contingent needs on-island and operational requirements overseas. In this context, the Defence Forces operate a robust stock control system to ensure that ammunition levels are maintained with fresh units being acquired as and when necessary .
As such I am satisfied that the Defence Forces have a sufficient amount of modern and effective anti-armour and artillery systems and associated ammunition to enable it to fulfil its assigned roles and taskings.
I am aware from general media and public comment regarding the potential dispatch of anti-armour munitions to Ukraine from stocks held by the Defence Forces. After serious consideration the Government has decided not to send such munitions nor indeed any other lethal aid equipment to Ukraine. Ireland remains fully aligned to its long standing position regarding military neutrality. Ireland is contributing to the European Peace Facility fund to enable non lethal equipment to be promptly sent to Ukraine. The Government is also funding humanitarian assistance.
