Catherine Murphy
Question:142. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if he plans to replace EC135 P2 within the Air Corps fleet. [33778/23]
View answerTuesday, 11 July 2023
Questions (142)
Written answers
My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities (including replacement capabilities as they near end of life) for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.
The EDP does not include a project for the replacement of the EC135 P2 fleet. These helicopters were acquired in 2005 and consideration to their replacement will be considered as they move towards end of life.
However, other additions to the EDP are currently under consideration, including in the context of the Government’s decision to move to a higher level of ambition, known as LOA2, and in light of specific recommendations, associated with a move to LOA2, made in the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces last year. In terms of rotary wing capability, these recommendations include the addition of two AW139 helicopters to the fleet as well as the ultimate replacement of the existing medium lift fleet witha fleet of 8 super-medium helicopters.
Capital investment in aircraft continues with the recent placing of a contract with Airbus at a cost of €72 million, including VAT, for a military transport aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in 2025.
The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is nearing completion with the arrival of the first aircraft last month and the second aircraft expected later in the year. Projects for other Air Corps capabilities will be considered in the context of overall capability development and available funding in accordance with the planning processes.