Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 December 2025
119. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Defence whether an open tender was conducted for the procurement of four H145M helicopters announced in January 2025; and if not, the justification for the procurement method used. [72600/25]
View answerMy priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Defence Forces is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government.
In December 2024, a contract for the delivery of four Airbus H145M helicopters was awarded to Airbus Helicopters UK Ltd. with the aircraft being manufactured in Germany. This investment of €91.7 million ex VAT will provide a modern light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corps. They will replace the present ageing fleet of two EC-135s, which have reached the end of their useful service life. Production of the helicopters is progressing well, and it is anticipated that delivery of the helicopters will begin on a phased basis in Q1 2027.
The Airbus H145Ms represent a modernisation and expansion of light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corps over the present EC-135s, which have reached the end of their useful service life.
Full details of the contract award rationale are published and are available on the European Tenders Electronic Platform under contract award notice number 47059 - 2025. The legal justification for the contract award was underpinned by legal advice from the Office of the Attorney General and is in compliance with the provisions of the Defence and Security Directive 2009/81/EC.
