Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
449. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Defence the number of aircraft purchased in 2020; the cost for each aircraft; the purpose of each new aircraft; the persons or body that operates them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37119/20]
View answerMy priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable the Defence Forces to carry out their roles as assigned by Government. Capability equipment requirements are kept under
on-going review in the light of present and expected operational needs.
The White Paper on Defence provides for the replacement of the current Air Corps Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft, equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR). Following an open tender competition, a contract was placed with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in December 2017 and all three aircraft were delivered in September 2020. The total cost of the three aircraft including associated training and ancillary equipment was €43m including VAT. These Fixed Wing Utility Aircraft are operated by the 104 Squadron of the Irish Air Corps and are equipped to carry out Transport, Logistics, ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) and MEDEVAC roles.
In March 2020, an additional Pilatus PC-12 NG aircraft was acquired at a cost of €5.2m including VAT. This aircraft was procured to provide the Air Corps with immediate additional fixed wing capacity to meet the unique situation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This aircraft is also operated by the 104 Squadron of the Irish Air Corps and is equipped to carry out transport, logistics and MEDEVAC roles.
The Deputy may wish to note that the White Paper also provides for the replacement of the two CASA 235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft with consideration of their replacement with larger more capable aircraft, which would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. Following a tender competition a contract was awarded to Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019 for delivery of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft in 2023 at a cost of some €221m including VAT.
