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THE IRISH AIR Corps are to receive four new light-utility helicopters, which will be used for pilot training to support Defence Forces operations and the Garda Air Support Unit.
The contract for the new helicopters has been awarded to Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd, and the value of the contract is €91.7 million, excluding VAT.
It’s anticipated that delivery will begin in Quarter 1 of 2027.
The Department of Defence recently signed contracts for delivery of the new Airbus H145M helicopters.
A Department spokesperson said the new helicopters “represent a vast modernisation and expansion of light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corps over the present ageing EC-135s, which have reached the end of their useful service life”.
The spokesperson added that their “multi-role capability” means that the helicopters will also be equipped for missions including maritime security missions, utility missions, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance and light attack missions.
Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin said the “investment is further evidence of the government’s commitment to enhancing our Air Corps”.
Martin added that this commitment is “illustrated by the delivery of two C295 maritime patrol aircraft over the last eighteen months, and the expected delivery of a C295 military transport aircraft next year”.
Martin said that the new helicopters will be “complemented by the acquisition of the new Falcon 6X multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft, the contract for which was signed earlier this month”.
Delivery of the French-made Falcon 6X is expected in December 2025 and a Department spokesperson said it offers “outstanding performance especially out of challenging airfields and in adverse conditions”.
Meanwhile, the Defence Forces’ Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, said that the procurement of the Airbus H145M helicopter platform is “another important step on the journey of transformative change of our Defence Forces”.
“These new light multi-role helicopters, proven in their service in other militaries, will not only enhance the Irish Air Corps rotary capability but will also serve as a critical enabler to the Army, Naval Service and Special Operations Forces.”
Elsewhere, the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, said described the acquisition of the Airbus H145M helicopters as a “significant milestone for the Air Corps”.
“These helicopters will also play an important role in shaping the next generation of rotary-wing pilots, ensuring the Irish Air Corps remains agile, adaptable, and mission-ready for years to come,” said O’Connor.
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I returned home 2 months a go after 2 years in Brazil having never been on the dole before. Now 8 weeks later I’m at my wits end, I have started two jobs since I got home only to end up loosing the as I stood up to my employers for the lack of breaks. I recently worked for a push bike courier and worked 9 hours straight,when asked about lunch I was told it was too busy. There are lazy people out there but employers seem to be able to do as they wish at times.
Unfortunately the idea of “you have a job, you should be grateful ” over the last few years has given alot of employers the attitude that employees should and will take any conditions and crap that’s thrun at them and because so many people are sinking into poverty and are barely keeping their heads above water even though they are working they feel they have no other option but to put up and shut up. It’s a vicious circle.
Have you at any point considered turning to crime or drug abuse as a result of these problems?
I was unemployed for a number of months before I emigrated and not once was this a consideration of mine.
I’m not really sure why we’re constantly being told that “lack of support” of various different types is the cause of drug use and crime. I had little support, aside from Social Welfare, while I was unemployed and managed to get my ass out of the country and a new job without starting on heroin and mugging old ladies.
Where is the support for the retired Irish mother with a husband who hasn’t worked since 2009 and is getting by on state pensions and missing the support (emotional and financial) of her adult children who have all had to emigrate, or are unemployed themselves? Nope, not a word about that – it’s *always* inner city Dublin.
Also, I’m not entirely sure how quantifiable answers to questions such as “how is the recession, and Government policy, affecting your life?” actually are and how from this they can conclude the “greatest impact of the crisis and austerity measures has been felt by people who are on the lowest incomes and most dependent on state supports and services,” Surely these are subjective?
Similarly, communities like Fatima Mansions are much easier to provide services to than, say, dispersed rural communities. The fact that the have “community workers” to speak up (be they paid or voluntary) is something. Who speaks on behalf of the many thousands of people outside inner city Dublin who aren’t mentioned in the article?
There is much food for thought in your well considered comment. Kudos.
Time for the Irish people to stand up for themselves.
Pete
Dont be silly the Irish are lap dogs. Never protest, never stand up, just take it time and time again
Sad but very true :(
It’s all the fluoride In the water,makes them dolicile.Its banned everywhere in Europe.
Bullshit
The politicians are not going to stand up for anyone. They are too busy slurping at the trough with their newly appointed consultants. Why don’t these community groups demand free electricity and water for low income families and individuals? Are they so mired in corruption that they are unable to propose some simple solutions? And before the shareholders of Ireland Inc. start gnashing their teeth, and asking who will pay for it. The answer is, the Utility corporations can easily afford to take a small dip in profits.
You shut your mouth, put on some clothes, get down them stairs and get out & get a bleedin job for yourself (Dessie Curly)
Can’t find the full report online, does anyone have a link?
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