The Department of Defence has contracted Airbus Helicopters for the purchase of four Airbus H145M helicopters, enhancing the capabilities of the Air Corps for pilot training and operational support.
Anticipated delivery for the helicopters begins in early 2027, costing €91.7m plus VAT, while the recently announced French-made Falcon 6X 6X Government jet is slated for delivery in December 2025 at €53m plus VAT.
The investment aims to significantly improve the Defence Forces’ pilot training programmes and boost their intelligence, surveillance, and light combat capacities.
The new helicopters will replace aging EC-135 models and are expected to facilitate a broader range of missions including maritime security and support for Special Operations Forces.
Micheál Martin shared “This investment is further evidence of the government’s commitment to enhancing our Air Corps, 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. These significant additions to the Air Corps’ capability will also be complemented by the acquisition of the new Falcon 6X multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft, the contract for which was signed earlier this month.
The H145Ms will be equipped to satisfy a wide range of missions including maritime security missions, utility missions, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and light attack missions and greatly improve the operational support provided to Special Operations Forces – the Army Ranger Wing – as well as providing broader support across the Defence Forces training and operations.”
Lieutenant General Seán Clancy shared “The 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.”
