An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 13 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE PLATFORM CAPABILITIES The YP fleet boast a range of cutting-edge capabilities that significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of the NSR. These vessels are designed to perform a variety of missions. Their robust design will enable coastal Maritime Defence and Security Operations including surveillance, search and rescue operations and pollution control. Some of the key features of the YP's include: • Advanced Navigation Systems: Equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and communication systems, these vessels ensure precise and efficient manoeuvring even in challenging conditions. The advanced bridge systems, such as digital navigation charts, radar and Automatic Identification System (AIS) replicates the systems on NS ships thus providing an enhanced training platform. The YP's are a perfect platform for harbour pilotage, coastal navigation and fleet manoeuvre training. • Enhanced Surveillance Capabilities: Featuring advanced radar and video imaging systems, the YPs provide superior situational awareness, aiding in the detection and monitoring of potential threats. The networked sensors and displays are fully interoperable with the main NS fleet and as such data from the onboard sensors can be fed into the Recognised Maritime Picture (RMP) maintained by Naval Operations Command. • Maritime Defence and Security: The YP's will be armed with a range of small arms, the largest of which will be a 7.62mm General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). Such capability will be sufficient to deter potential threats in the port and infrastructure security role. The real capability will be delivered in the surveillance and monitoring role. Active patrolling by vessels of this type is a key element of a layered defence that will be developed in the context of the implementation of the Commission on Defence Forces recommendations. The onboard facilities will enable the YP's to remain 'on station' for protracted periods as part of combined naval operations. • Search and Rescue: It is not envisaged to have the YP fleet on a permanent 'on call' basis. However, if an incident arises while the vessel is deployed on operations, it will be very capable of responding to maritime distress calls. The onboard sensors and the performance of the platform mean the YP's are an ideal vessel for the conduct of inshore search and rescue. Winching trials have taken place with the Irish Coast Guard helicopter fleet to develop interoperability and in particular a casualty transfer capability. The large deck space and seakeeping of the YP's make them very suitable for such taskings. • Pollution Control: Trials have already been conducted using YP01 for the deployment of anti-pollution booms. The large working deck and towing points make the YP an ideal vessel for the conduct of anti- pollution operations. Once deployed to their home ports around the coast the NSR will work with Local Authorities and Port Companies to develop response protocols to local pollution incidents. • Hydrographic Survey and Underwater Operations: The YPs are equipped with a towing gantry specially designed to support the operation of towed systems such as the NS towed array side scan sonar. This will significantly enhance NS sub-surfaced search capability in harbours and inshore waters. The YP's are also configured to support diving operations with a large working deck and a ladder platform on the transom. The stationing of these vessels around the coast will offer the NS Diving Section an additional platform for the conduct of diving operations thus facilitating a rapid and sustainable deployment in response to incidents. The platform stability also lends itself to the conduct of hydrographic operations in coastal and inshore settings. • Performance: The GRP hull has a low-profile radar and magnetic signature is designed to withstand harsh marine environments. The CYGNUS hull design and build has been proven in the harshest of conditions by the fishing industry. The robust design means the YP's offer durability and longevity, ensuring sustained operational capability. Powered by twin Cummins engines, the YP's can reach impressive speeds in a range of conditions. This speed, combined with responsive manoeuvrability makes this a very capable platform for the conduct of operations in the maritime domain. This performance will enable a robust and resilient capability in response to maritime incidents and operationalise effective patrolling of Ireland's extensive coastline and inshore waters. The integration of these enhanced capabilities makes the YP fleet an indispensable asset for the NSR, enabling them to fulfil their mission of safeguarding Ireland's maritime interests effectively. LEVEL OF AMBITION The NSR's contribution to national defence is multifaceted. In times of crisis, the reserve force can be rapidly mobilised to augment the NS across a range of capabilities by providing much-needed personnel and expertise. The NSR also plays a critical role in maintaining a persistent presence in Ireland's coastal waters and major ports. This presence assists in the deterrence of illicit activities such as smuggling of illegal cargoes and illegal fishing. The acquisition of the YP's returns the NSR to a baseline level of capability enabling seamanship and navigation training and the conduct of localised maritime defence and security operations in support of the NS. However, the design and build of these vessels offers significant potential for the development of enhanced military capabilities in support of the achievement of Level of Ambition (LOA) 2. The YP's are an ideal platform for the operation of remotely piloted aerial, surface and sub surface systems. Some trials have already taken place to prove the concept. As the YP's move towards Full Operational Capability (FOC) the additional capabilities will be developed to align the NSR with the wider DF level of ambition. CONCLUSION The acquisition of these four new vessels marks a significant milestone in the modernisation of the NSR. These state-of-the-art vessels enhance the NSR's operational capabilities and contribute to the achievement of Ireland's strategic defence objectives. With their advanced navigation systems, endurance, manoeuvrability and robust construction, the YP's are poised to play a crucial role in safeguarding Ireland's maritime interests. The naming of the YP's will observe the tradition of naming vessels after figures from Irish mythology. The fleet of YP's will be named after the four Children of Lir. YP 01 Fionnghuala YP 02 Aodh YP 03 Conn YP 04 Fiachra

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