Combat Fighter Jet [Ireland]
Last reviewed: 10th August 2026
Snapshot
In February 2025, Simon Harris, the Irish Minister for Defence and Tánaiste, emphasised the importance of acquiring a new combat fighter jet to address aerial threats in a speech advocating a boost in the nation’s defence budget. Harris directed the Department of Defence to develop detailed action plans, timelines, and cost estimates in the event that Ireland decided to triple its defence expenditure.
Reports from the Irish Times indicate the government aims to acquire 12-14 new jets for a total programme value of up to US$2.5 billion.
Summary
- Programme value:
- $2.5 billion (Reported)
- Units required:
- 12 (Reported)
- Award year:
- 2027
- Status:
- Forecast
- Type:
- Procurement - new
- Systems:
-
F-16V Block 70/72 - Potential
JAS 39E/F Gripen - Potential
FA-50 - Potential
- Unit cost:
- $80.0 million (Reported)
- PGO:
- 50% ?
Summary
- Programme value:
- $2.5 billion (Reported)
- Units required:
- 12 (Reported)
- Award year:
- 2027
- Status:
- Forecast
- Type:
- Procurement - new
- Systems:
-
F-16V Block 70/72 - Potential
JAS 39E/F Gripen - Potential
FA-50 - Potential
- Unit cost:
- $80.0 million (Reported)
- PGO:
- 50% ?
Bids and suppliers
Lockheed Martin - F-16V Block 70/72 - USA
Potential
Saab - JAS 39E/F Gripen - SWEDEN
Potential
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) - FA-50 - SOUTH KOREA
Potential
Additional Information
Background
In February 2025, the Irish Minister for Defence and Tánaiste Simon Harris highlighted Irelands need to procure a new combat fighter jet to combat airborne threats during a speech on increasing the nations defence budget. Harris has ordered the Department of Defence to produce action plans, timelines, and costings if Irelands defence spending were to triple its defence spending. This increase would be a dramatic shift from the current plan that was announced in the 2022 Commission on the Defence Forces report which set a goal to increase defence spending by 50% by 2028.
Ireland's renewed attitude of urgency surrounding expanding the country's defence capabilities was likely catalysed by President Trump's decision to halt aid to Ukraine in March 2025.
Methodology
Quantity required
According to a report published by the Irish Times, Defence Forces planners have already produced preliminary cost reports that set an ideal goal of 12 to 14 aircraft; at least eight are required to ensure 24/7 air policing capabilities.
Unit cost
Reports that cite documents recently published by the Defence Forces planners state that an individual fighter jet is estimated to cost between $60-100 million; as the programme is still in its early stages, the median of the range will be used as an estimated unit cost.
Programme value
Various media reports have indicated that total programme value could be worth up to $2.5 billion.
Programme years
As of August 2026, no formal programme has been announced. Shephard forecasts a contract award in 2028, with deliveries beginning in 2029, spanning across three years and finishing in 2031.
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Summary
- Programme value:
- $2.5 billion (Reported)
- Units required:
- 12 (Reported)
- Award year:
- 2027
- Status:
- Forecast
- Type:
- Procurement - new
- Systems:
-
F-16V Block 70/72 - Potential
JAS 39E/F Gripen - Potential
FA-50 - Potential
- Unit cost:
- $80.0 million (Reported)
- PGO:
- 50% ?
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Air Warfare
Turkish-US F-16 deal remains in deadlock
17th January 2023
US lawmakers remain adamant while the F-16 deal seems to be Ankara's best shot to bring its air power capabilities up to speed until it can produce its fight-generation TF-X fighter jet in a meaningful numbers.
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Air Warfare
Colombia pauses negotiations again on Kfir fleet replacement
9th January 2023
Funding problems and an expired government directive mean the Colombian Air Force will have to find ways to keep its ageing IAI Kfir fleet in service for longer.
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Air Warfare
Taiwan receives AGM-88 missiles to take on Chinese air defences
5th January 2023
The delivery of AGM-88 anti-radiation missiles provides Taiwan’s fighter fleet with a suppression/destruction of enemy air defences (SEAD/DEAD) capability for the first time.
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Air Warfare
Brazil becomes first 4th gen plus jet operator in South America
21st December 2022
Brazil became the first South American country to operate a fourth-generation-plus advanced combat jet by inaugurating its first Gripens.
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Air Warfare
Three air forces to double F16 jets' smart weapon carriage capability
19th December 2022
The air forces of Bahrain, Jordan and Morocco will receive BRU-57/A weapon release units to double the amount of smart bombs their F-16 jets can carry.
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Air Warfare
Turkish F-16 endeavours impaired by Democrats' US Senate control
15th November 2022
The Turkish president was confident a Republican-controlled Senate would deliver the country's coveted F-16 deal. With a Democratic Senate confirmed after mid-term elections, Ankara's position to up its fighter jet game seems as doubtful as ever.
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Air Warfare
Bahrain to receive first batch of F-16Vs in 2024
11th November 2022
After a setback caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the F-16V delivery programme is back on track for the Royal Bahraini Air Force and it will receive the first batch of fighter jets in early 2024.
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Air Warfare
GKN Aerospace successfully tests new Gripen engine
28th October 2022
GKN Aerospace has been closely working with GE and Saab to build up the necessary infrastructure to support production and testing of the new RM16 engine for the Gripen E fighter jet.
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Air Warfare
BAE Systems to enhance F-16 maintenance cybersecurity
13th October 2022
The BAE Systems-produced Viper Memory Loader Verifier II maintenance capability supports over 100 onboard systems that enhances the F-16's cybersecurity.
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Air Warfare
Bulgaria approves second tranche of F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets
22nd September 2022
Bulgaria is to invest further in Lockheed Martin F-16C/D Block 70 fighter jets, acquiring eight more aircraft plus related equipment.
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Defence Notes
Gripen campaign losses leave Saab questioning Swedish government support
1st September 2022
A lack of Gripen export orders has left Saab frustrated and longing for additional support from the Swedish government.
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Air Warfare
Saab reveals first Meteor live-fire test for Gripen E fighter jet
31st August 2022
Saab has achieved a new weapons milestone on the Gripen E fighter programme.
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Air Warfare
Bulgaria looks beyond MiG-29 retirement
19th August 2022
The Bulgarian MoD is examining various options to retain a crucial NATO Air Policing capability for the foreseeable future, including second-hand leasing as an interim solution before the introduction of recently ordered F-16V Block 70 aircraft.
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Air Warfare
Jordan to order F-16 Block 70s after signing LoA
17th June 2022
Jordan and Lockheed Martin have agreed to a F-16 Block 70 order.
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Defence Notes
IAI delivers first sets of F-16 aerostructures
16th June 2022
Israel Aerospace Industries has delivered the first sets of F-16 aerostructures to Lockheed Martin.
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Air Warfare
Philippines considers more FA-50s, but no fighter decision made yet
16th June 2022
Finances are a constant thorn in the side of the Philippine military, but it still dreams of more FA-50s and new multirole fighters.
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Digital Battlespace
Northrop Grumman presses on with next-gen EW suite for F-16s
4th May 2022
Northrop Grumman is integrating its AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite aboard USAF F-16 fighter aircraft.
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Air Warfare
Sweden orders new Gripen launch system
26th April 2022
Saab has announced it received an order for a new Gripen launch system during the first quarter of 2022.
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Air Warfare
First serial production Gripen Es for FAB fly in Brazil
7th April 2022
The FAB now awaits military certification for the first two serial production Gripen fighter aircraft out of 36 ordered from Saab.
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Defence Notes
Bulgarian procurement ambitions blend old plans with new projects
5th April 2022
Undaunted by previous problems in attempting to acquire F-16s and IFVs, Bulgaria has unveiled an ambitious new set of procurement priorities.
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Land Warfare
Bulgaria to prioritise army modernisation in 2022
24th February 2022
Having focused on navy and air force upgrades in recent years, Bulgaria is now shifting its attention to modernisation of its armoured vehicle fleet.
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Air Warfare
F-16V sale to Jordan passes muster with State Department
4th February 2022
Jordan has requested 16 F-16s upgraded to the Block 70 (F-16V) configuration plus a plethora of associated subsystems and weapons, training services and logistical support in an FMS package worth more than $4 billion.
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Training
Three FMS customers to receive F-16V training systems
17th December 2021
The DoD did not name which countries that will be receiving F-16V training devices, but two are in Eastern Europe and a third is in the Middle East.
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Air Warfare
FMV orders new equipment for Gripen E
15th December 2021
The latest contract from FMV goes against the terms of the original 60-aircraft order for Gripen E.
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Air Warfare
Tension mounts as Canada heads toward two-horse future fighter race
26th November 2021
A new twist has emerged from Canada's efforts to select a new fighter aircraft, with one competitor seemingly ousted from the procurement process.
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Air Warfare
Saab’s Gripen E enters serial delivery phase
25th November 2021
Saab has made significant progress on its leading fighter programme.
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Defence Notes
Brazil strengthens defence industrial base
18th November 2021
The Brazilian MoD continues to take measures to support the national defence industry. The government has opened access to credit lines with the Brazilian Development Bank and the MoD is also seeking partnerships with other nations and institutions.
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Air Warfare
Saab commits to over 100 HX projects should it win fighter contest
15th October 2021
Saab has revealed new details of its HX fighter offer to Finland as the company bids to secure more Gripen E and GlobalEye AEW&C orders.
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Air Warfare
Saab flight-tests 'magic box' to enable GNSS-denied Gripen operations
6th October 2021
New sensor and data fusion system offered to Finland as part of Gripen offer for HX fighter programme, operational capability promised within five years.
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Air Warfare
Argentina evaluates fast jet options
5th October 2021
Buenos Aires initially intended to purchase Chinese/Pakistani JF-17 Thunder Block III fighters, but is now analysing five alternative options.
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Air Warfare
New election puts spotlight on Canadian future fighter once more
24th August 2021
A snap election called in Canada could have significant implications for the acquisition of new fighter jets for the RCAF.
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Defence Notes
Breakthrough on Turkish sanctions remains far from reality
30th July 2021
The US government is not for changing course on Turkish sanctions but Ankara continues to show it is more than capable of bypassing them.
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Defence Notes
Aeronautics dip takes shine off Q2 sales growth for Saab
21st July 2021
Less than favourable figures for Aeronautics were offset by a 7% increase in orders for Saab in Q2 2021, as the Swedish company eyes work on European Defence Fund projects.
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Air Warfare
Saab not received ‘official communication’ from Brazil for new Gripen order
9th June 2021
Saab and the Brazilian Air Force have not talked about a new Gripen order, despite reports suggesting the service is preparing to buy more of the aircraft.
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Air Warfare
Finland’s HX contest heats up as final offers arrive
30th April 2021
Finnish decision-makers get ready to select a manufacturer to replace the country's F/A-18C/D fighter fleet.
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Defence Notes
Gripen 3D-printed hatch flight test proves successful
30th March 2021
A recent flight test using a 3D-printed hatch on Saab's Gripen fighter jet could lead to more efficient ways of repairing damaged aircraft on the frontline.
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Defence Notes
Sweden offers Finland Gripen development partnership for HX
16th February 2021
The Swedish MoD has revealed a new offer to Finland, which it hopes will help to land a lucrative HX fighter contract.
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Defence Notes
Finland calls for HX best and final offers
29th January 2021
Competitors involved in the Finnish HX fighter acquisition programme have been issued with best and final offer requests, ahead of a contract award for one lucky manufacturer before the end of 2021.
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Air Warfare
Ukraine aims high with aviation modernisation plan
22nd December 2020
Ukraine's Soviet-era combat aircraft fleet is overdue for modernisation, as Kiev seeks to spend big on buying from Western suppliers.
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Defence Notes
Brazilian service chiefs seek more investment in new capabilities
16th November 2020
During a webinar organised by the Brazilian MoD, the commanders of the air force, army and navy put on a united front with the Minister of Defence to call for higher defence spending
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Defence Notes
Saab faces up to Gripen supply chain fears
21st October 2020
Saab has been forced into partnering with new Gripen supply chain partners as COVID-19 issues continue to damage industry.
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Air Warfare
First Brazilian Gripen flown in Brazil
25th September 2020
The first Brazilian Gripen E has concluded its first flight in Brazil, manufacturer Saab announced on 24 September. The aircraft, designated by the Brazilian Air …
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Air Warfare
RUAG prepares to make Gripen E/F payload suspensions
10th September 2020
RUAG Aerostructures is ready to begin serial production of payload suspension pylons for the Saab Gripen E/F, following final airworthiness test acceptance in late August. This is …
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Air Warfare
Saab adds LADM to the mix for Finnish fighter programme proposal
28th August 2020
Saab is planning to offer a new decoy missile system called the Lightweight Air-launched Decoy Missile (LADM), as part of its Gripen E/F proposal for Finland’s …
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Air Warfare
Offers on the table as Canada edges closer to future fighter buy
31st July 2020
Canada will move immediately to examine three government proposals as part of the country’s C$15-19 billion ($11-14 billion) Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP), following 31 July …
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Air Warfare
Brazilian Gripen passes local production milestone
8th July 2020
Brazilian factory Saab Aeronáutica Montagens (SAM) has begun production of the Gripen E/F fighter for the Brazilian Air Force. ‘The tail cone and front fuselage of …
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Air Warfare
Sweden hits deadlock over new defence spending plans
26th June 2020
Cross party political talks in Sweden addressing future defence funding have collapsed, following disagreement over whether additional money should be approved. The Swedish government will …
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Air Warfare
Four Russian strategic bombers fly near NATO airspace
29th April 2020
The Russian MoD reported on 29 April that two Tu-160 (NATO: Blackjack) strategic missile carriers completed a planned flight in airspace over the Baltic Sea. At …
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Defence Notes
Finland bars defence officials after drawing HX consultant red line
22nd April 2020
A select number of former high-ranking military and political officials have been excluded from making direct contact, or acting in a negotiating capacity, with Finland’s …
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Air Warfare
Liebherr air cooling system a success for Saab’s EAJP
16th April 2020
Liebherr has successfully tested its prototype air cooling system in Saab’s new advanced Electronic Attack Jammer Pod (EAJP) which is being trialled on the Gripen …
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Defence Notes
Saab not feeling ‘immediate consequences’ of coronavirus crisis
26th March 2020
Manufacturer Saab has said that it will not speculate on how the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic will disrupt company plans or financial expectations, but confirmed that the Gripen …
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Defence Notes
Defence awakens to European COVID-19 nightmare
18th March 2020
The impact of COVID-19 has caused widespread disruption to the European defence industry which has introduced exceptional operational measures to protect the health of armed forces personnel, …
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Defence Notes
Sweden tells Europe there can be ‘no business as usual’ with Russia
12th March 2020
The Swedish government has said that Russian military aggression and violation of international law must not be followed by meeting demands from Moscow to form …
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Air Warfare
Saab bids for Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project
2nd March 2020
Saab is bidding for the Canadian Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) which will see the replacement of the RCAF’s existing CF-18 Hornet fighter fleet. If …
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Defence Notes
Industry at odds on Canada’s Future Fighter delay
28th February 2020
Two of the three industry competitors involved in Canada’s Future Fighter Capability Project (FFCP) have said they did not ask decision-makers for an RfP submission …
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Air Warfare
Saab completes HX Challenge flight tests
7th February 2020
Saab’s Gripen E and GlobalEye AEW&C; aircraft have completed flight evaluations as part of Finland’s HX Challenge, the company announced on 6 February.The testing, carried …
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Defence Notes
Finland looks to crown new fighter from overcrowded acquisition
16th January 2020
Tests and evaluations of five candidates involved in Finland’s HX Fighter Programme (HX-FP) are set to run through to 26 February and will act as …
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Training
Gripen development simulator inaugurated in Brazil
29th November 2019
The first Systems Rig (S-Rig) Gripen development simulator has been installed at the Gripen Design and Development Network (GDDN) in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, Saab announced …
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Digital Battlespace
Saab conducts first flight of new airborne jammer
7th November 2019
Saab has announced that it has conducted the initial flight trials of its new Electronic Attack Jammer Pod (EAJP) on-board a Gripen fighter. Carried out …
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