Seriously, who would attack Ireland?

 

Even in past centuries, there was less war in Ireland than in Scotland and England. Oh, there has been conflict, and obviously there has been some tragic history due to the differences in viewpoint (independence vs. stay with England) in Northern Ireland, but overall, not one of the more war-torn regions.

Yet they've decided to upgrade their air defense systems by improving their radar and buying some fighter jets. 

Ireland plans €2.5bn fighter jet purchase, first acquisition in 50 years

"Since 1998, when the Irish Air Corps disbanded its Light Strike Squadron, which operated aging French Fouga CM170 Magister jets, Ireland has had no combat jets. The country also lacks a primary radar system. Without these capabilities, a “secret bilateral pact” has seen the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) tasked with intercepting and responding to aerial threats in Irish airspace.

According to former Irish Air Corps head General Ralph James, this reliance on a foreign power, coupled with Ireland’s lack of radar coverage, has made the country “probably the most vulnerable” in Europe. Speaking at the Slándáil 2020 security summit, James warned that neutrality alone was not a defence strategy, stressing that Ireland must be able to deny its airspace to both sides in any future conflict."

So now I get it. They aren't really planning on fighting an attacker/invader; they just want to make sure that any parties engaged in conflict leave them alone.

That's fine with me.

Dublin Castle and Irish flag