Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris stated he's convinced the country will need them in the future.
Ireland could be spending up to 100 million euro a year on combat jets.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris yesterday stated he's "convinced" the country will need the jets to deter airborne threats in the future.
Under the plans, it's understood at least eight aircraft would be stationed at Shannon Airport and would be maintained by specialised civilian firms rather than Air Corps technicians.
Conor Gallagher, Security and Crime Correspondent with The Irish Times, explains why the aircraft wouldn't be stationed in Dublin:

Cost Motor Insurance Continues To Rise, With Insurance On A Car Now Averaging Over €650
A New Bill To Recognise Unborn Children As Road Crash Victims Launched
Calls To Abolish The Sub-Minimum Wage Rate For Those Under 20
Commander Alex Quigley Report's High Morale Among Irish Troops In Lebanon
Three People Arrested Over Suspected Murder Of William Delaney Released Without Charge
Council Acquired Seven Derelict Properties Through Compulsory Purchase Orders Last Year
Investigations Continue Into Beauty Brands Sephora And Benefit Over Marketing Issues
Parents Association Call For Urgent Action Over "Unsafe" Maynooth School Car Park