“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.
The Defence Forces can’t use its missile system to protect President Joe Biden when he arrives this week – because the radar doesn’t work.A source said: “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.”
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that the system cannot now be deployed because the Giraffe short range radar system that works in tandem with it is obsolete. 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.A spokesman for the Department of Defence declined to comment last night - as did a spokesman for the Defence Forces.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.
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.But America is also sending hundreds of personnel to protect Mr Biden here.
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Joe Biden: Everything you need to know about US president’s visit to IrelandUS president Joe Biden is set to visit Belfast, Dublin, Louth and Mayo on his four-day trip to Ireland this week. Here's all the information you need
Read more »
GRA to meet Garda management amid concerns about organisation of Biden visitThe Garda Representative Association is due to meet with Garda management tomorrow over concerns around deployment and accommodation while staffing Joe Biden's visit next week
Read more »
Joe Biden to give key address at Ulster UniversityUS president will arrive in Belfast on Tuesday evening along with British PM Rishi Sunak
Read more »
Inside Joe Biden's Secret Service - 'They're expecting the worst''Wherever they go, they're expecting the worst' - Inside US President Joe Biden's Secret Service
Read more »
Joe Biden: Everything you need to know about this week’s visitUS president set to visit Belfast, Dublin, Louth and Mayo on his four-day trip to Ireland
Read more »
Taoiseach said he does not want to put ‘fake deadline’ on restoration of Northern institutionsLeo Varadkar says US President Joe Biden’s visit to Ireland comes at at time when relations between both countries have ‘never been better’
Read more »