Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:207. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the type of aircraft which the Defence Forces plan to purchase in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15551/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 29 March 2017
Ceisteanna (207)
Freagraí scríofa
My priority as Minister with Responsibility for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces, including the Air Corps, is maintained to the greatest extent possible so as to enable them to carry out their roles as assigned by Government.
Future equipment priorities for the Air Corps are being considered in the context of the lifetime of the White Paper on Defence as part of the capability development and equipment planning process.
The White Paper provides for the replacement of the Cessna fleet with three larger aircraft suitably equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance tasks. The aircraft specification is currently being prepared and it is expected that the tender competition will be initiated and advertised on the e-tenders website in the near future.
A decision was made in 2016 to replace a PC-9M aircraft which was written off following a fatal crash in 2009. The replacement PC-9M aircraft, scheduled for delivery this year from Pilatus Aircraft in Switzerland at a cost of €5 million plus VAT, will bring the fleet up to 8 and will assist in a required increase in pilot training in the Air Corps.
The White Paper also provides for the replacement of the two CASA 235s Maritime Patrol Aircraft by 2019, with consideration of their replacement with larger more capable aircraft. This would enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks.