The Department of Defence has signed contracts for four new Airbus H145M helicopters for pilot training to support Defence Forces operations and the Garda Air Support Unit. The €91.7m contract has been awarded to Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd and it’s anticipated that the delivery of the light-utility choppers will begin in the first quarter of 2027.
The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin said that the new fleet of helicopters will significantly boost the capacity of the Defence Forces pilot training programmes and enhance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and light combat capabilities of the Irish Air Corps.
“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 18 months, and the expected delivery of a C295 military transport aircraft this year. These significant additions to the Air Corps’ capability will be complemented by the acquisition of the new Falcon 6X multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft.”
The Airbus H145Ms represent a vast modernisation and expansion of light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corps over the present ageing EC-135s, which the government said have reached the end of their useful service life.
In July 2024 in response to a question by Deputy Alan Kelly, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin said about the Garda Air Support Unit EC135s, one of which is older than the Air Corps EC135: “At present there is no target date for the disposal of these aircraft nor is there any mechanical end of life date for operating these airframes.” In November 2021, ‘272’ passed the 10,000-hour milestone. The Air Corps EC135’s. ‘270’ and ‘271’, were both delivered to Casement Aerodrome on the evening of 3 November 2005.
The multi-role capability of the new H145Ms means that they 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. As well as enhancing the Defence Force’s current ISTAR capabilities, there will be enhanced Electro-Optical and Thermal Imagery features not available in the current Rotary Wing fleet. They will 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.
The new Airbus H145M helicopters will be used for pilot training to support Defence Forces operations and the Garda Air Support Unit.
Defence Forces’ Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, added: “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.”
Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, said: “The acquisition of these light multi-role helicopters marks a significant milestone for the Air Corps, which will serve as a critical enabler for training, ISTAR and armed support operations.
“They will provide vital light tactical transport support to the Army, Navy, and Army Ranger Wing, reinforcing our interoperability with Special Operations Forces. 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.”
In 2024, the Department awarded a contract for the preparation of a detailed airside infrastructure masterplan for the development of Casement Aerodrome, which will identify the requirements for airside infrastructure over the next 20 years. Budget 2025 has provided an additional €8 million to support Air Corps fleet maintenance, airfield and training costs.
