Press release
Tánaiste Announces Four New Helicopters for the Air Corps
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Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin today (December 30) announced a deal for four new light-utility helicopters to boost Air Corps capabilities.
The Department of Defence recently signed contracts for delivery of the new Airbus H145M helicopters, which will be used for pilot training to support Defence Forces operations and Garda Air Support Unit.
Welcoming the investment, the Tánaiste said: “These helicopters will not only significantly boost the capacity of the Defence Forces pilot training programmes, but also enhance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and light combat capabilities of our Air Corps.
“This investment is further evidence of the government’s commitment to enhancing our Air Corps, illustrated by the delivery of two C295 maritime patrol aircraft over the last eighteen months, and the expected delivery of a C295 military transport aircraft next year.
“These significant additions to the Air Corps’ capability will also be complemented by the acquisition of the new Falcon 6X multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft, the contract for which was signed earlier this month.”
Earlier this year, the Department awarded a contract for the preparation of a detailed airside infrastructure masterplan for the development of Casement Aerodrome, which will identify the requirements for airside infrastructure at Casement Aerodrome over the next 20 years.
Budget 2025 provides an additional €8 million to support Air Corps fleet maintenance, airfield and training costs next year.
The Airbus H145Ms represent a vast modernisation and expansion of light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corps over the present ageing EC-135s, which have reached the end of their useful service life.
Their multi-role capability mean that the H145Ms will be equipped to satisfy a wide range of missions including maritime security missions, utility missions, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and light attack missions.
As well as enhancing the Defence Forces current ISTAR capabilities, there will also be enhanced Electro-Optical and Thermal Imagery features not available in the current Rotary Wing fleet.
They will greatly improve the operational support provided to Special Operations Forces – the Army Ranger Wing - as well as providing broader support across the Defence Forces training and operations.
The contract for the new helicopters has also been awarded to Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd. The value of the contract is €91.7 million ex. VAT and it is anticipated that delivery will begin in Q1 2027.
The Defence Forces’ Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, added: “The procurement of the Airbus H145M helicopter platform is another important step on the journey of transformative change of our Defence Forces.
“These new light multi-role helicopters, proven in their service in other militaries, will not only enhance the Irish Air Corps rotary capability but will also serve as a critical enabler to the Army, Naval Service and Special Operations Forces.”
The General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, said: “The acquisition of the Airbus H145M helicopters mark a significant milestone for the Air Corps. These light multi-role helicopters will serve as a critical enabler for training, ISTAR and armed support operations.
“They will provide vital light tactical transport support to the Army, Navy, and Army Ranger Wing, reinforcing our interoperability with Special Operations Forces. These helicopters will also play an important role in shaping the next generation of rotary-wing pilots, ensuring the Irish Air Corps remains agile, adaptable, and mission-ready for years to come.”
Ends