Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 April 2024
187. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Defence if funding will be secured for the replacement of the eight Pilatus PC-9M aircraft within the Air Corps; and the estimated lifespan of this type of aircraft. [16287/24]
View answerA key priority for me as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the capabilities of the Defence Forces are maintained, developed and enhanced in order to ensure that the Defence Forces can carry out all of the roles assigned to it by Government.
Enhancing the physical working environment and equipment for our Defence Personnel is a key feature of the recently published Strategic Framework which sets out the immediate actions to be taken to support the transformation of the Defence Forces into a fit-for-purpose organisation to defend the State and meet the challenges of today and the future.
The Defence allocation is determined within an overarching budgetary framework which encompasses existing NDP multi-annual capital allocations and remains cognisant of the level of resources available, commensurate with defence policy requirements. The Department of Defence has received a capital allocation of €176 million in Budget 2024. This is following Government approval for a move over a six-year period to a level of Defence Forces’ capability equivalent to ‘Level of Ambition 2’ (LOA2), as set out in the capability framework devised by the Commission on Defence Forces, which will entail funding increases to reach a Defence budget of approximately €1.5 billion (at January 2022 prices) by 2028 through the annual Estimates.
This level of capital funding will allow the Defence Organisation to undertake a phased planned programme of sustained equipment and infrastructural development across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Defence White Paper and the Report of the Commission, while building on the significant investment programme over recent years.
Work on capital investment in aircraft continues;
Two new C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft were delivered to Baldonnel in June and September 2023 at a total cost of €228 Million (VAT Inc). This price included equipment fit-out, extensive suite of Maritime Patrol Aircraft mission equipment, spare parts and training. The principal role of the C295 is maritime surveillance, particularly fishery protection. It also enables the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, search and rescue and a general utility role.
A contract with Airbus has been placed 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.
A competitive process to acquire a new mid-sized aircraft for Ministerial Air Transport is ongoing.
Alongside the four PC-12 aircraft acquired in 2020, some €344 million, including VAT, has been committed to the acquisition of all of these enhanced capabilities.
Projects for other Air Corps capabilities including the replacement of the Pilatus PC9 aircraft will be considered in the context of overall capability development and available funding in accordance with the established planning processes.
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 and enables the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
