We'll Jav €40м more missiles & launchers

THE Government is to spend €40m on dozens of deadly Javelin missiles and launchers for the Defence Forces.

- BY MICHAEL O'TOOLE Crime and Defence Editor

The Star has learned the US Congress has given the green light for the purchase which is expected to take place in the coming months.

The Defence Forces already uses the US made missiles - but military bosses want more of them for use at home and abroad.

The Javelin, which has been used heavily by Ukraine in the fight against Russian invaders, is one of the most potent weapon the Defence Forces have - and can destroy tanks, armour and even heavy bunkers from 4kms away.

The system is so expensive that live missiles are only usually fired once a year. But Ireland now wants to beef up its number of Javelin missiles and launchers - at a cost of €40m.