Ending Shannon Airport access would harm Irish-US ties, warns NATO commander

General Alexus Grynkewich, NATO's Supreme Allied Commander in Europe, has issued a stark warning regarding the potential consequences of Ireland denying the US military access to Shannon Airport. Grynkewich stated that such a move "probably would" damage the relationship between the United States and Ireland, emphasizing the airport's critical role as a "very important logistics hub."

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It probably would damage the relationship between the United States and Ireland.

During his first visit to Ireland, Grynkewich described Shannon Airport's strategic value in allowing the US to "project power and keep threats at bay from all over the world." He elaborated on the "significant security implications" that could arise from losing this access, noting that while alternative locations might be found, Ireland has been a long-standing partner.

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Shannon Airport is a very important logistics hub. It allows America to project power and keep threats at bay from all over the world.

The general cited past operational challenges, referencing issues with access and basing during recent operations in Iran from a US perspective, which he described as "very unhelpful." He also touched upon the importance of securing critical infrastructure, including underwater cables, against hybrid warfare threats, stating it is a "real military concern."

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I think there’s some significant security implications from losing access there.

Addressing Ireland's neutrality, Grynkewich suggested that cooperation between Ireland, the US, and NATO on securing infrastructure is "in our advantage." He acknowledged that Ireland's neutral stance might lead to a cautious view of NATO but asserted that in an increasingly complex world, such a partnership holds significant value for Ireland. He concluded by expressing satisfaction with the existing access granted by Ireland.

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It’s likely in our advantage to work together on securing that infrastructure together in order to ensure that commerce and other threats don’t take hold.