Conor Hogarty
@conorhogarty.bsky.social
Interests include Irish Defence Forces, current affairs, and politics. Along with the odd contribution to the Irish Times and Examiner.
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
I wrote on Russia's cyber-attack against Poland's energy system in December, why it suggests a more aggressive Russian approach to disrupting critical infrastructure in Europe, and why the involvement of the FSB, Russia's security service, is bad news. www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
Russia’s sabotage campaign is becoming bolder
Hacks against Polish energy plants suggest the FSB is involved
www.economist.com
February 9, 2026 at 7:47 PM
I wrote on Russia's cyber-attack against Poland's energy system in December, why it suggests a more aggressive Russian approach to disrupting critical infrastructure in Europe, and why the involvement of the FSB, Russia's security service, is bad news. www.economist.com/europe/2026/...
Despite a Commission on Defence report over 4 years ago,the advice and warnings offered by Cathal Berry and others, the State remains effectively defenceless.
Serious questions need to be asked of the government,the minister, and the @IRLDeptDefence as to why.
@micheal-martin.bsky.social
Serious questions need to be asked of the government,the minister, and the @IRLDeptDefence as to why.
@micheal-martin.bsky.social
February 8, 2026 at 7:20 PM
Despite a Commission on Defence report over 4 years ago,the advice and warnings offered by Cathal Berry and others, the State remains effectively defenceless.
Serious questions need to be asked of the government,the minister, and the @IRLDeptDefence as to why.
@micheal-martin.bsky.social
Serious questions need to be asked of the government,the minister, and the @IRLDeptDefence as to why.
@micheal-martin.bsky.social
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
French Navy frigate Aquitaine is currently inbound to the King George V Dock in Glasgow in Scotland for a routine port visit.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/advanced-fre...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/advanced-fre...
Advanced French warship arrives in Glasgow
French Navy frigate Aquitaine is currently inbound to the King George V Dock in Glasgow in Scotland for a routine port visit.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 8, 2026 at 2:20 PM
French Navy frigate Aquitaine is currently inbound to the King George V Dock in Glasgow in Scotland for a routine port visit.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/advanced-fre...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/advanced-fre...
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
The price of a Witkoff-Kushner negotiated extension to the US-Russia New START nuclear arms reduction treaty by any chance?
Ukrainian media report that Russia's "appetite" is growing during negotiations. They are now demanding not only the surrender of Donbas but also official recognition of it as part of Russia by all countries.
February 5, 2026 at 2:03 PM
The price of a Witkoff-Kushner negotiated extension to the US-Russia New START nuclear arms reduction treaty by any chance?
It could be a while before normal service resumes at Salthill Co Dublin.
Rail services are currently suspended.
Rail services are currently suspended.
February 5, 2026 at 7:22 PM
It could be a while before normal service resumes at Salthill Co Dublin.
Rail services are currently suspended.
Rail services are currently suspended.
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
The future USS John F. Kennedy has successfully completed Builder’s Sea Trials at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, a major milestone in the construction of the U.S. Navy’s second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/worlds-most-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/worlds-most-...
World's most powerful new supercarrier completes sea trials
The future USS John F. Kennedy has successfully completed Builder’s Sea Trials at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, a major milestone in the construction of the U.S. Navy’s second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 5, 2026 at 9:37 AM
The future USS John F. Kennedy has successfully completed Builder’s Sea Trials at Newport News Shipbuilding in Virginia, a major milestone in the construction of the U.S. Navy’s second Gerald R. Ford-class aircraft carrier.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/worlds-most-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/worlds-most-...
Seapoint Co Dublin.
Stormy conditions this afternoon with the rail line completely flooded.
Stormy conditions this afternoon with the rail line completely flooded.
February 5, 2026 at 2:36 PM
Seapoint Co Dublin.
Stormy conditions this afternoon with the rail line completely flooded.
Stormy conditions this afternoon with the rail line completely flooded.
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
In US and now UK we watch as academia collapses before power - or the anticipation of power.
If racist, authoritarian grifters come to power in the UK we can be certain that our university leaders will be queueing outside their ministries to offer support with the mass deportations and repression.
Universities are attempting to get Reform politicians on side as the party begins to think seriously about its policies for the 2029 election, having secured several high-profile defections, reports Helen Packer #academicsky #edusky
https://ow.ly/oxxp50Y63ML
https://ow.ly/oxxp50Y63ML
February 2, 2026 at 8:06 AM
In US and now UK we watch as academia collapses before power - or the anticipation of power.
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
Ministers were pressed in the Commons to clarify whether the government is reassessing the strategic significance of Shetland and surrounding waters, amid heightened Russian maritime activity and a renewed focus on the High North.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/security-of-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/security-of-...
Security of Scottish islands questioned in Parliament
Ministers were pressed in the Commons to clarify whether the government is reassessing the strategic significance of Shetland and surrounding waters, amid heightened Russian maritime activity and a renewed focus on the High North.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 2, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Ministers were pressed in the Commons to clarify whether the government is reassessing the strategic significance of Shetland and surrounding waters, amid heightened Russian maritime activity and a renewed focus on the High North.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/security-of-...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/security-of-...
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
The government has rejected calls to explore a second sovereign method of delivering UK nuclear weapons, arguing that the existing submarine-based system remains the most credible option as nuclear risks increase.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66285
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66285
UK rejects calls for second British nuclear weapon system
The government has rejected calls to explore a second sovereign method of delivering UK nuclear weapons, arguing that the existing submarine-based system remains the most credible option as nuclear risks increase.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 2, 2026 at 7:02 AM
The government has rejected calls to explore a second sovereign method of delivering UK nuclear weapons, arguing that the existing submarine-based system remains the most credible option as nuclear risks increase.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66285
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66285
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
BREAKING on ft website:
Lord Peter Mandelson leaked a sensitive UK government document to Jeffrey Epstein while he was business secretary that proposed £20bn of asset sales and revealed Labour’s tax policy plans
www.ft.com/content/fdf7...
Lord Peter Mandelson leaked a sensitive UK government document to Jeffrey Epstein while he was business secretary that proposed £20bn of asset sales and revealed Labour’s tax policy plans
www.ft.com/content/fdf7...
Mandelson leaked sensitive UK government tax plans to Epstein
Former ambassador forwarded memo from special adviser to Gordon Brown to late sex offender in 2009
www.ft.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:30 AM
BREAKING on ft website:
Lord Peter Mandelson leaked a sensitive UK government document to Jeffrey Epstein while he was business secretary that proposed £20bn of asset sales and revealed Labour’s tax policy plans
www.ft.com/content/fdf7...
Lord Peter Mandelson leaked a sensitive UK government document to Jeffrey Epstein while he was business secretary that proposed £20bn of asset sales and revealed Labour’s tax policy plans
www.ft.com/content/fdf7...
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
The president who has believes that Italian military satellites were used to hack voting machines in a joint CIA-Chinese operation has sent his intelligence chief to look for evidence of voter fraud. What could go wrong? www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
February 2, 2026 at 7:54 PM
The president who has believes that Italian military satellites were used to hack voting machines in a joint CIA-Chinese operation has sent his intelligence chief to look for evidence of voter fraud. What could go wrong? www.nytimes.com/2026/02/02/u...
Why is Ireland not all at sea.
Mark Mellett, former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, writing in todays @IrishTimes
Mark Mellett, former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, writing in todays @IrishTimes
February 2, 2026 at 9:40 PM
Why is Ireland not all at sea.
Mark Mellett, former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, writing in todays @IrishTimes
Mark Mellett, former Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, writing in todays @IrishTimes
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
It's coming up to 10.30pm in Iran.
The US military began its strikes against Iran's nuclear sites last June at about 2.40am. And the Venezuela operation began around 2.00am.
Given the uptick in online psyops against Iran today, maybe tonight. Maybe not.
The US military began its strikes against Iran's nuclear sites last June at about 2.40am. And the Venezuela operation began around 2.00am.
Given the uptick in online psyops against Iran today, maybe tonight. Maybe not.
January 31, 2026 at 6:56 PM
It's coming up to 10.30pm in Iran.
The US military began its strikes against Iran's nuclear sites last June at about 2.40am. And the Venezuela operation began around 2.00am.
Given the uptick in online psyops against Iran today, maybe tonight. Maybe not.
The US military began its strikes against Iran's nuclear sites last June at about 2.40am. And the Venezuela operation began around 2.00am.
Given the uptick in online psyops against Iran today, maybe tonight. Maybe not.
Irish Naval Service LÉ Aoibhinn in Dun Laoghaire Harbour this morning.
Previously, HMNZS Rotoiti, it was purchased by Ireland in 2022.
Previously, HMNZS Rotoiti, it was purchased by Ireland in 2022.
January 31, 2026 at 1:45 PM
Irish Naval Service LÉ Aoibhinn in Dun Laoghaire Harbour this morning.
Previously, HMNZS Rotoiti, it was purchased by Ireland in 2022.
Previously, HMNZS Rotoiti, it was purchased by Ireland in 2022.
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
EXCLUSIVE - A Russian-flagged cargo vessel observed operating within approximately 3 kilometres of the UK coastline near Minehead has been ordered to leave UK waters.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/russian-carg...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/russian-carg...
Russian cargo vessel ordered to leave British waters
EXCLUSIVE - A Russian-flagged cargo vessel observed operating within approximately 3 kilometres of the UK coastline near Minehead has been ordered to leave UK waters.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
January 28, 2026 at 8:37 PM
EXCLUSIVE - A Russian-flagged cargo vessel observed operating within approximately 3 kilometres of the UK coastline near Minehead has been ordered to leave UK waters.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/russian-carg...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/russian-carg...
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
German defense startup Tytan Technologies announced the opening of a new production site in Bavaria for the drones that are already in use by Ukrainian forces
Germany ramps up production of Tytan Interceptor drone used by Ukraine
German defense startup Tytan Technologies announced the opening of a new production site in Bavaria for the drones that are already in use by Ukrainian forces, Defense Express reported on Jan. 27.
english.nv.ua
January 28, 2026 at 8:45 PM
German defense startup Tytan Technologies announced the opening of a new production site in Bavaria for the drones that are already in use by Ukrainian forces
Cabinet to approve plans for abolition of the triple lock.
A positive move, which will remove the ability of foreign governments to curtail the deployment of Irish troops on peacekeeping and other missions.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
A positive move, which will remove the ability of foreign governments to curtail the deployment of Irish troops on peacekeeping and other missions.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Cabinet to approve plans for abolition of the triple lock
The ‘triple lock’ requires UN approval to send Irish troops on peacekeeping missions
www.irishtimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Cabinet to approve plans for abolition of the triple lock.
A positive move, which will remove the ability of foreign governments to curtail the deployment of Irish troops on peacekeeping and other missions.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
A positive move, which will remove the ability of foreign governments to curtail the deployment of Irish troops on peacekeeping and other missions.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
US links security guarantees for Ukraine to peace deal ceding Donbas territory.
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
US links security guarantees for Ukraine to peace deal ceding Donbas territory
Washington signalled Kyiv would receive more backing after any withdrawal from the Donbas, say people familiar with talks
www.irishtimes.com
January 27, 2026 at 10:35 AM
US links security guarantees for Ukraine to peace deal ceding Donbas territory.
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
www.irishtimes.com/world/europe...
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
There's currently two bidders for Canada's 12 submarines need to replace aging fleet: TKMS 🇩🇪 and Hanwha 🇰🇷. TKMS has a much better offer in many respects but feel like Hanwha is going to win purely on availability and speed
readyayeready.com/canadas-paci...
readyayeready.com/canadas-paci...
Canada's Pacific Fleet Commander Calls for Urgent Submarine Acquisition to Bolster Defence Capabilities
The commander of Canada's Pacific naval fleet, has underscored the critical need for expedited procurement of new submarines.
readyayeready.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:27 PM
There's currently two bidders for Canada's 12 submarines need to replace aging fleet: TKMS 🇩🇪 and Hanwha 🇰🇷. TKMS has a much better offer in many respects but feel like Hanwha is going to win purely on availability and speed
readyayeready.com/canadas-paci...
readyayeready.com/canadas-paci...
Top Chinese general investigated for corruption amid escalation of military purge.
www.irishtimes.com/world/asia-p...
www.irishtimes.com/world/asia-p...
Top Chinese general investigated for corruption amid escalation of military purge
President Xi Jinping in sole operational command of army amid aim of progressing modernisation plan
www.irishtimes.com
January 25, 2026 at 8:30 PM
Top Chinese general investigated for corruption amid escalation of military purge.
www.irishtimes.com/world/asia-p...
www.irishtimes.com/world/asia-p...
The Irish Times view on Ireland and the US: old relationship will need to be redefined.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...
The Irish Times view on Ireland and the US: old relationship will need to be redefined
Nostalgia for previous eras and US engagement with the peace process provides no contemporary comfort
www.irishtimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 9:29 PM
The Irish Times view on Ireland and the US: old relationship will need to be redefined.
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...
www.irishtimes.com/opinion/edit...
‘Time to step up’: von der Leyen pushes Arctic defence at EU summit.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
‘Time to step up’: von der Leyen pushes Arctic defence at EU summit
Talks expected between the Trump administration, Denmark and Greenland on the future security of the Arctic island
www.irishtimes.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:34 PM
‘Time to step up’: von der Leyen pushes Arctic defence at EU summit.
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
www.irishtimes.com/politics/202...
Reposted by Conor Hogarty
Danish app urging shoppers to boycott US goods surges in popularity
Danish app urging shoppers to boycott US goods surges in popularity
Barcode-scanning tool is helping Danes identify American products amid rising tensions
www.irishtimes.com
January 21, 2026 at 5:51 PM
Danish app urging shoppers to boycott US goods surges in popularity