Minister for Defence attends commissioning ceremony for Air Corps cadets
- Foilsithe: 15 Bealtaine 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 15 Bealtaine 2026
Minister for Defence attends commissioning ceremony for Air Corps cadets
Minister for Defence Helen McEntee T.D. attended the commissioning ceremony of the 43rd Air Corps Cadet Class and the inaugural Air Traffic Controller Cadet Class at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel.
Nine cadets were commissioned as officers of the Permanent Defence Force.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the Minister congratulated them on their achievement and acknowledged the important role played by the Air Corps across maritime surveillance, emergency aeromedical supports, Defence Forces operations, drug interdictions, and aid to the civil authorities.
The Minister also highlighted the Government’s ongoing investment in Air Corps capability, including the delivery of Airbus C295W aircraft, the acquisition of the Dassault Falcon 6X, infrastructure development at Baldonnel, and the planned delivery of four Airbus H145M helicopters from 2027.
As you take your commissions, you have a unique opportunity now to be part of something very special – part of a transformation of Óglaigh na hÉireann into a modern, fit-for-purpose, twenty-first century military force.
Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee TD
The Minister also acknowledged the dedication and commitment of the members of the Defence Forces “who have moulded these men and women into fine officers over the course of their training.”
This ceremony marks not only the commissioning of another Wings Course Class, but a significant first for the Air Corps with the commissioning of our inaugural Air Traffic Control Cadet Class.
Both groups have shown the dedication, discipline, and professionalism required of an officer of the Defence Forces, and I have every confidence in the contribution they will make to the Air Corps, the wider Defence Forces, and the State.
General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O'Connor
With reference to Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union from July this year the Minister stated that “as a committed EU Member State and the incoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, Ireland is determined to actively contribute to the formation of our evolving shared global outreach and emerging policies and instruments. We do this in line with our national priorities, interests and values.”