Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 September 2021
375. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Defence the number of armoured personnel carriers that were delivered in either 2001 or 2002 that are still in active service; and when these vehicles will be replaced. [43397/21]
View answerThe Equipment Development Plan (EDP) published in June 2020, completed through extensive joint civil-military work, provides a comprehensive list of planned equipment projects, which will be progressed over a five year period. This plan builds on the intentions set out in the White Paper in relation to equipment acquisition, modernisation and upgrade and has been developed to ensure that our Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.
Central to the Defence Forces fleet of armoured vehicles are the MOWAG Piranha III Armoured Personnel Carriers. The Defence Forces currently has 80 such vehicles, which provide essential force protection for Defence Forces Personnel serving on peacekeeping missions overseas. The initial contract for the acquisition of Armoured Personnel Carriers saw the delivery of 40 vehicles in 2001 and 2002. Subsequent contracts saw vehicles delivered in 2004 (25 vehicles) and 2007 (15 vehicles), completing the fleet.
In December 2016 a contract was awarded to General Dynamics European Land Systems - MOWAG GmbH ("MOWAG"), the original equipment manufacturer, for the upgrade of all 80 vehicles. The scope of the upgrade programme includes, but is not limited to; replacement of the primary weapon system in the infantry variant vehicles, supply and integration of a Local Situation Awareness System enabling improved and safer navigation including night driving capabilities as well as improvements to force protection. Existing systems including mechanical elements are also undergoing maintenance and upgrade as required.
The maintenance and upgrade programme is designed to ensure the viable operational lifetime of the fleet out to 2030 and beyond. To date over three quarters of the fleet have completed the programme with 54 vehicles returned, and a further eight due for delivery later this month. The programme is due for completion in 2023.
