Catherine Murphy
Question:225. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence when the second C-295 maritime patrol aircraft will come into the Air Corps fleet. [38941/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (225)
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.
Capital investment in aircraft continues with the 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 in June this year. The second C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is expected to arrive into Baldonnel in quarter 4 this year.