Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 June 2026
144. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Defence the number of crew and passengers the Defence Forces new Airbus C295W can carry as opposed to the older CASA CN235 Maritime Patrol Aircraft; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46817/26]
View answerStrategic airlift capability has been prioritised for investment following Government approval of the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, as part of the move to Level of Ambition 2 (LOA 2).
Two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft were delivered in 2023, replacing the legacy CASA CN235 aircraft, and these aircraft can be configured to undertake a limited transport role if required.
In addition, a contract was awarded to Airbus for the provision of a dedicated Fixed Wing Military Transport Aircraft for the Defence Forces, with delivery completed in October 2025. This aircraft, an Airbus C295W transport variant, provides a step change in the State’s airlift capability.
The Airbus C295W aircraft is a modern, highly versatile tactical airlift platform which supports a wide range of roles including logistics support, the transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance missions, Special Operations Forces tasks and general utility operations. It is operated by a crew of two pilots.
In its transport configuration, the C295W can carry up to 62 troops on shorter range flights, or up to 48 personnel in airline-style seating for longer duration missions.
By comparison, the CASA CN235 aircraft previously operated by the Air Corps, while capable of limited transport tasks, was primarily configured for maritime patrol operations and had a significantly more limited transport capacity. In practice, the aircraft could carry up to approximately 19 personnel on short-range flights, with a crew of two pilots.
Accordingly, the C295W provides a substantial increase in personnel carrying capacity, in addition to enhanced payload, range and operational flexibility. The aircraft also offers the ability to transport palletised cargo and can be configured with a cargo handling system to support air delivery operations.
The introduction of the C295 fleet forms part of a broader programme of investment in Defence Forces capabilities and significantly enhances the State’s ability to conduct independent airlift operations in support of both domestic and overseas missions.
