Irish air force equipment 9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded. This reliance on a foreign power, coupled with Ireland’s lack of radar coverage, has made the country “probably the most vulnerable” in Europe, according to former The Air Corps (Irish: An tAerchór) is the air force of Ireland. The 91. Contact: The Station Commander Irish Air Corps Headquarters, Jan 12, 2025 · The Republic of Ireland Irish Defence Forces is a new happy Airbus H145M customer refreshing its Airbus helicopter fleet. The Air Corps is the smallest of the branches of the Defence Forces, with approximately 689 personnel, [12] and its primary roles are defined as: Support of the Army; Support of the Naval Service Feb 19, 2025 · A decision is likely in the coming months with delivery expected from two years later, according to the Irish Mirror. [2] Feb 28, 2025 · Sources have said the ISG has recently met with Irish Air Corps (IAC) leaders to discuss the change of the organisation to a more air force style structure. However in times of peace it is more usual for the Air Corps to fulfil the roles assigned by Government through the deployment of a well motivated and effective Air Corps. News. These include non-combatant evacuation of Irish citizens in crises, medical evacuations, air-ambulance patient transfers, and logistical support for Irish Defence Forces on overseas deployments. This list identifies the military aircraft which are currently being operated or have formerly been operated by the Irish Air Corps. Only supported aircraft types that are active with this airline are included in the calculations. Estimates made Mar 1, 2025 · Under the proposals, the new air force would operate at least eight combat aircraft, the minimum number required to provide a 24/7 air policing capacity. It is understood that the Irish Air Corps will likely transition into an independent air component – potentially titled the Irish Air Force – in the near future Aug 27, 2024 · The U. Disclaimer. E. PlanePictures. Experts say such a plan will be a massive cost to the taxpayer, with a potential Nov 22, 2023 · Under the Tánaiste’s Implementation Plan, the Defence Forces will receive substantial new investment - and the government says most of the new equipment will be in place by 2028, or just over Jun 6, 2022 · A LEADING US jet fighter manufacturer has said the Irish Air Corps could buy or lease second-hand aircraft from other European air forces which are now adopting the more modern stealth variants. Jul 10, 2023 · The C295 is a maritime surveillance aircraft: particularly fisheries protection. 49 billion) defense budget for 2025, offering funding for ongoing air surveillance radar, subsea awareness, force protection Dec 30, 2024 · The light-utility helicopters will be used for pilot training to support Defence Forces operations and the Garda Air Support Unit. Organisationally a military branch of the Defence Forces of Ireland, the Air Corps utilises a fleet of fixed-wing air Nov 23, 2023 · The Irish Defence Forces has a range of challenges to overcome including discontent in sections of the forces, a need for cultural change, pay rates and equipment shortfalls. Dec 31, 2024 · Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, described the H145M acquisition as a cornerstone in transforming Ireland’s armed forces. The USP entered service in 2007 as the Defence Force's standard service pistol, replacing the Browning Hi-Power. Ralph James, a former head of the Irish Air Corps, told the Irish Times newspaper that about 16 jet fighters with three crews each would be required to implement a full air defense capability. 143 Scale Aircraft Modelling Dec 1996 Scramble 203 (April 1996) Websites: Official Irish Air Corps webpage. This collaboration was formalised during a visit by U. These helicopters will enhance the Irish Air Corps’ capabilities while providing critical support to the army, navy, and special operations forces. Jul 13, 2022 · The Irish Defence Forces will spend 200 million euros ($201 million) to procure new radars to monitor foreign military aircraft in Irish airspace. Air Force and the Irish Air Corps have created a new training partnership to enhance operational knowledge and flight safety. Nov 25, 2024 · The Report further notes that achieving Level of Ambition 3 would mean that the Irish Army had its own lift capabilities along with artillery and cavalry units which were “fully interoperable to NATO standards. LAND FORCES - Values derived from multiple sources. The over 400-million-euro ($418-million) procurement will replace the Irish Defense Forces fleets of Piranha III armored vehicles and RG-32 light tactical vehicles. WDMMA. At an equipment level, that is already under way. 8-million) deal is scheduled to deliver the new platforms by 2027, during which the force’s two remaining EC135s are also set to retire, according to The Irish Times. "Consideration of Air Combat Interceptors would be dependent on additional funding," the Apr 3, 2022 · The Air Corps also provides a Learjet for the use of the government ministers and the Irish president, and operates a Pilatus Britten Norman Defender in support of An Garda Síochána (Irish police). VISITING TIMES: Mon – Fri Working Hours (Access limited) The museum is accessible by prior arrangement only through Air Corps Headquarters. It is understood that the Irish Air Corps will likely transition into an independent air component – potentially titled the Irish Air Force – in the near future Jun 30, 2021 · The Russian air force knows that it can approach or even enter Irish airspace with far less immediate and serious consequences than if it did the same to other north Atlantic countries such as Iceland where there is a Nato air policing mission – or Norway, which has a well-resourced air force capable of quickly intercepting suspected Aug 27, 2024 · The U. Jan 17, 2025 · The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1. Irish Air Corps Photos. ” Significant upgrades in capabilities and equipment would also be required across the Naval Service and the Air Corps. It entered service in 1989 and is in use with all units of the Defence Forces. Feb 9, 2022 · A wide-ranging report on the state of Irish defence capabilities has proposed that Dublin invests in more modern equipment, especially across the air and sea domains. Jan 10, 2025 · The H145M, a new type in Irish military service, will be used to expand the operational capabilities of the Irish Air Corps on a variety of defence and security tasks. The Air Corps is the air component of the Defence Forces. Jul 2, 2020 · In February 2020 Maj. The PC-9s were the first Air Corps planes to have ejection seats since the Vampires, and are equipped with two machine guns and pods capable of firing up to 14 folding-fin aerial rockets. K. Airmen from Twentieth Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command to Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, Dublin, from 22-29 June 2024. Lieutenant General Sean Clancy (left) and Brigadier General The role of the Air Corps under the Defence Act is to contribute to the security of the State by providing for the Military Air Defence of its airspace. 9 trainer wearing the early post war green colour scheme Gloster Gladiator Mk I of the 1st Squadron of the Irish Air Corps. 6 million including VAT. Air-Britain Photos: Irish Air Force. May 19, 2023 · In two years, Air Corps PC-9s will reach end of 20-year service life, presenting military planners with two options: maintain status quo or buy modern combat aircraft Dec 30, 2024 · The Irish government has signed a deal to purchase four new military helicopters for the Air Corps, with delivery expected in early 2027. Military aircraft currently in active service with the Irish Air Corps are as follows:[1] A few examples of former Air Corps aircraft are retained in the Air Corps Museum in Baldonnel. This comes after Indonesian Air Force recently added four Airbus H145 helicopters to its fleet as part of its military training modernisation efforts. It will also provide the Air Corps with the capability to deliver a range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulances, search and rescue and a general utility role. S. Simon Harris says Ireland needs to buy fighter jets amid rising global tensions. 5 p. Irish Air Corps Bibliography. Mar 3, 2025 · An Irish Air Corps Fouga CM170 Magister (Credit: Simon Boddy / Wikimedia Commons) “Probably the most vulnerable state there is in Europe” The Government’s new investment plans, reported by The Irish Times, directly address these concerns. Tánaiste [deputy Irish prime minister] and Minister for Defence Simon Harris has requested detailed The Air Corps Fleet. To make this website work, we log user data. Regarded as one of the smallest air forces in Europe, the Irish Air Corps (IAC) boasts a limited number of fixed- and rotary-wing platforms that enable Ireland to fulfil its national and international military aviation requirements. Jun 27, 2023 · A €115 million Defence Forces patrol aircraft will broaden options for rescuing Irish citizens from difficult situations abroad where the State has previously relied on the goodwill of Jul 13, 2020 · Talk in Ireland of potentially acquiring fighter jets in the future comes amid intrusions into Irish airspace by long-range Russian Air Force Tu-95 ‘Bear’ bombers in recent years. 2B Fighter – 8× 1922–1935 [21] [22] [23] Martinsyde F. Organisationally a military branch of the Defence Forces of Ireland, the Air Corps utilises a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft to carry out a variety of duties in conjunction with the Irish Army , Irish Naval Service and Garda Síochána . Bristol F. Mar 24, 2022 · Irish Air Corps. will not only enhance the Irish Air Corps rotary capability . [1] Assault rifles & battle rifles Steyr AUG Austria: Assault rifle: 5. Feb 28, 2025 · Speaking after meeting new Defence Forces cadets and opening a new cadet school and transport headquarters in the Curragh, Co Kildare, Mr Harris said he is convinced of the case for an air combat The Air Corps currently operates eight Pilatus PC-9M aircraft. Simon Harris. Irish Defence Forces Mar 6, 2025 · The Emerald Isle’s dependency on the U. 56×45mm NATO: The Steyr AUG is the Defence Force's standard service rifle. The Air Corps took delivery of its first two Agusta Westland AW139 aircraft in November 2006. This would also need the creation of a whole infrastructure to support this force if a 24-hour interceptor capability was to Irish Air Corps to potentially become Irish Air Force. Jun 26, 2020 · Expensive ground radar equipment would also be required to detect encroaching traffic in Irish airspace. Scramble: Irish Air Corps. 4th May 2022. The PC-9M is equipped with a comprehensive, fully tandem-capable VFR/IFR avionics package for navigation, communication and identification, using state of the art equipment. Its HQ is at Casement (Baldonnel) Aerodrome. “The procurement of the Airbus H145M helicopter platform is another important step on the journey of transformative change of our Defence Forces. 7-million-euro ($95. According to a report by Irish Mirror, the Cabinet is expected to sign an acquisition request from Defence Minister Simon Coveney for the so-called primary radars this week. These aircraft first entered service in 2004 and operate as the main pilot training aircraft for the Air Corps. Initially, the primary role of the Air Corps was to provide air support to the Irish Army. Dec 30, 2024 · Even the Irish Air Corps primary helicopter force of six AW139s rely solely on door mounted weaponry, with the only close air support element available being gun and rocket equipped Pilatus PC-9Ms. 35 billion ($1. Dec 19, 2024 · The Irish Air Corps is to receive a Falcon 6X business jet that from 2026 it will use in a global ‘strategic reach' role. The Air Corps is the air force of Ireland. The Air Corps currently operates two EC135 P2 aircraft. Eurocopter EC135 P2. Jan 8, 2025 · 'Transports' value includes only fixed-wing aircraft while all rotorcraft are represented under the 'Helicopters' value. Organisationally a military branch of the Defence Forces of Ireland, the Air Corps utilises a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft to carry out a variety of duties in conjunction with the Irish Army, Irish Naval Service and Garda Síochána. Irish Air Corps Dec 30, 2024 · Ireland has signed a contract to purchase four Airbus H145 helicopters to replace the Irish Air Corps’ EC135 helicopters. ’s Royal Air Force for air defense is nothing short of ironic, in light of all the efforts that Irish national heroes like Michael Collins and James Irish Air Corps to potentially become Irish Air Force. The cost of the contract, including equipment fit-out and ancillary support, is approximately €221. net. Airliners. It was established on October 1, 1924, making it one of the oldest air forces in the world. Notably, the budget also earmarks funds for the Air Corps to take delivery of the new Airbus C295W aircraft, an essential step in enhancing Ireland’s airlift capabilities. Aug 27, 2024 · The Commission on the Defence Forces in 2022 proposed 130 points of action for the military, with one of the major projects a primary radar plan to place surveillance equipment at strategic Oct 4, 2024 · This infusion of resources will directly contribute to defence projects, including military radar systems, subsea awareness programmes, and force protection equipment. Oct 2, 2024 · BELFAST — Ireland has announced a “record” €1. Mar 5, 2025 · The Irish Air Corps took delivery of their PC-9M trainers in 2004, replacing the Magisters. The Air Corps is set to retire its Jan 8, 2023 · THE STATE HAS laid down a deposit on a new cargo aircraft for the Irish Air Corps, which would carry troops and vehicles to foreign military missions and rescue stranded Irish citizens. The Air Corps (Irish: An tAerchór) is the air force of Ireland. There are currently six of the type in service. In an Airbus January 10 statement, Airbus shared that the Irish would be purchasing an armed version of the popular H145 twin-engine jet turbine helicopter. 1 The average fleet age is based on our own calculations and may differ from other figures. org - external link]. (Ghana Air Force) Ireland is to field a new Dassault Falcon 6X business Jun 6, 2024 · The foundation stones for the new Irish 'Air Force' are being laid as we speak. An implementation plan released 21 November has, however, provided projected timelines for change and procurement. wikipedia: Irish Air Corps. It is understood that the Irish Air Corps will likely transition into an independent air component – potentially titled the Irish Air Force – in the near future Irish Air Corps AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter. Air Corps Spitfire T. However, ideally, it will possess between Apr 3, 2022 · The Air Corps also provides a Learjet for the use of the government ministers and the Irish president, and operates a Pilatus Britten Norman Defender in support of An Garda Síochána (Irish police). 4 Buzzard – 4× 1922–1929 [24] RAE S. These include an Avro Anson, An Alouette III and a Fouga Magister. Nov 21, 2023 · There are more than 130 recommendations and one of the major projects is the primary radar plan to place surveillance equipment at strategic locations across the country to, not only monitor Irish Irish Air Corps to potentially become Irish Air Force. The Ireland Air Force, officially known as the Irish Air Corps, is the aerial branch of the Defense Forces of Ireland. A De Jan 2, 2025 · The operational support for the Army Ranger Wing and broader Defence Forces will also see improvement. will not only enhance the Irish Air Corps rotary capability Nov 21, 2023 · There are more than 130 recommendations and one of the major projects is the primary radar plan to place surveillance equipment at strategic locations across the country to, not only monitor Irish Irish Air Corps to potentially become Irish Air Force. Irish Air Corps Museum & Heritage Project. Feb 28, 2025 · Irish News. Gen. Oct 4, 2024 · This infusion of resources will directly contribute to defence projects, including military radar systems, subsea awareness programmes, and force protection equipment. For an in-depth look into the current air powers of the world, consider "the World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft" [www. Location: Irish Air Corps Museum & Heritage Project, Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel Dublin 22, Ireland. Jun 30, 2021 · The Russian air force knows that it can approach or even enter Irish airspace with far less immediate and serious consequences than if it did the same to other north Atlantic countries such as Iceland where there is a Nato air policing mission – or Norway, which has a well-resourced air force capable of quickly intercepting suspected Dec 22, 2024 · The aircraft, operated by the Irish Air Corps from Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, will serve a diverse range of missions. 2B Fighter Mk II – 8 Mar 4, 2025 · Without these capabilities, a “secret bilateral pact” has seen the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF) tasked with intercepting and responding to aerial threats in Irish airspace. 5a – 1× 1922 (destroyed by the IRA during Civil War) Bristol F. Magazines: World Air Power Journal No. The Air Corps fleet consists of Fixed Wing and Rotary craft as follows: Agusta Westland AW139. Sep 26, 2022 · They will also feature Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion avionics; equipment first installed on the C295 in support of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s future fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft fleet. It is understood that the Irish Air Corps will likely transition into an independent air component – potentially titled the Irish Air Force – in the near future Apr 11, 2025 · Irish Air Corps information. kvoehu abpk wzugcy brdpax uxljb yuhuix iqrjg wpewt xxynoa ktwwt qrhog pffg paii nteufo akxfr