Is Ireland supporting NATO exercises in Eastern Europe?

national | anti-war / imperialism | opinion/analysis Friday June 17, 2016 17:24 by Shannonwatch - Shannonwatch

Shannonwatch have recorded an unusual number of US military aircraft at and overflying Shannon Airport since June 4th. This time period coincides with the preparations for NATO Anaconda-2016 military exercises in Poland which are being conducted from June 7th to 17th. (See list below)

The 10-day military exercise [1], involves 31,000 troops and thousands of vehicles from 24 countries. The Guardian [2] described it as follows "The largest war game in eastern Europe since the end of the cold war has started in Poland, as Nato and partner countries seek to mount a display of strength as a response to concerns about Russia's assertiveness and actions". The UK Independent [3] said it was one of the biggest exercises on NATO's eastern flank since the end of the Cold War, and was a move likely to put further strain on the already-tense relations between the Kremlin and the West

While some of the US military flights through Shannon may be connected with military operations in the Middle East and elsewhere, it is likely that many of them are associated with the Anaconda exercise.

In particular the presence of US military mid air refuelling aircraft at Shannon would suggest that aircraft taking part in the Anaconda exercise may be being refuelled in or just outside irish airspace. This would not only be in breach of Irish neutrality but would also be in breach of assurances given to the Irish Government by the US Government that none of the US military aircraft using Shannon Airport or Irish air space areon military operations or military exercises.

These matters need to be addressed as soon as possible by the Irish Government, while the Anaconda exercises are still going on (until 17th June). If they discover that any of the aircraft using Shannon are involved in Anaconda-2016 permission should be withdrawn immediately for all such overflights and landings.

Refs:
1. The 10-day military exercise
http://www.nato.int/cps/en/natohq/topics_49285.htm?sele...le=en

2. Guardian article
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/jun/06/nato-laun...-2016

3. UK Independent article
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/anakonda....html

US Military aircraft recorded at Shannon Airport or overflying in Irish airspace close to Shannon

4 June 2016

US Air Force KC135 refuelling tanker 63-7993
US Air Force KC135 58-0057
US Air Force C17 99-0169

5 June 2016

US Air Force C17 99-0168
US Air Force KC135 61-0317
US Air Force C17 03-3118
US Navy B73B C40 165830

6 June 2016

US Air Force C130T 165159

7 June 2016

US Air Force KC135 mid air refueller 60-0359
US Air Force Gulfstream 16-6376
US Air Force C130 02-8155
Omni Air troop transporter N342AX

8 June 2016

US Air Force KC10 Mid Air Refueller 85-0027
US Air Force KC10 Mid Air Refueller 84-0192

9 June 2016

Omni Air troop transporter N342AX
US Air Force C17 00-0182
US Air Force KC135 mid air refueller 58-0083
Omni Air troop transporter N378AX
US Air Force KC135 mid air refueller 58-0099
US Air Force Gulfstream 01-0030
US Air Force C17 08-8193
US Navy B73B C40 98-0001
Omni Air troop transporter N378AX

10 June 2016

Omni Air troop transporter N378AX
US Air Force Gulfstream 99-0404
US Air Force KC10 Mid Air Refueller 85-0027
US Air Force KC135 mid air refueller 57-1428
US Air Force KC10 Mid Air Refueller 85-0027
US Air Force KC135 mid air refueller 57-1428

11 June 2016

US Air Force C17 99-0169
US Air Force KC10 Mid Air Refueller 85-0027
US Air Force KC10 Mid Air Refueller 84-0192
US Air Force Gulfstream 99-0404