Thirty instructors from the Irish Defense Forces will join the EU-led training mission for the soldiers from Ukraine, Ireland government's Department of Defence confirmed Monday, August 21.
Earlier, the Irish instructors were supposed to only teach Ukrainians demining, tactical medicine, and other "non-lethal techniques," however, now they will take part in the military course as well. The Irish government, though, emphasizes that the country remains faithful to its policy of neutrality because it does not plan to provide its weapons to Ukraine.
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It may appear as a paradox that a country with a relatively much smaller military is invited to teach Ukrainian troops. But details show there is a reason why Irish tutors can share some really valuable knowledge.
The Military Balance 2023 tells that Ireland, as a 5-million populated state, has a rather compact armed force of about 8,200 personnel plus 1,600 reservists. The Army is comprised of 6,750 personnel + 1,400 in reserve, in two light infantry brigades and several support units.
Equipment includes 80 Piranha III armored vehicles of various modifications, 27 RG-32M armored vehicles, soldiers carry FGM-148 Javelin and Carl Gustaf anti-tank systems. The artillery department consists of 131 pieces in total: 23 howitzers of types L118 and L119, 105mm caliber; and 108 mortars of calibers 81mm and 120mm. Air defense equipment is represented by an unspecified number of RBS 70 man-portable short-range air defense systems. No combat aircraft.
So far what is important is that the Irish army uses the same anti-tank weapons, howitzers, and anti-aircraft systems as the Ukrainian Defense Forces do, and this factor already removes some of the barriers.
While remaining a neutral country, Ireland takes all opportunities to gain practical experience as part of international peacekeeping missions. The Military Balance 2023 mentions that Ireland has 338 troops deployed under the UN mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL), 130 more in the Golan Heights area (UNDOF), and 13 men in Kosovo (KFOR).
Considering all these facts, in summary, Ireland has instructors with practical experience gathered from conflict zones around the globe, available on short notice. These people can offer their skills gained in real-life situations and familiarity with weapons to the Ukrainians and this way contribute to the fight against the russian war of aggression.
Read more: The F-16 Aircraft Had already Landed on Ukrainian Airfields and even Engaged with Su-27 Fighters
