Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
102. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Defence the cost of enhancement of the Air Corps' fleet with the addition of two additional medium lift rotary wing aircraft for enhanced Defence Forces support and priority ATCA taskings as per the CODF; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [52824/26]
View answerThe Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) Report recommended that, within the scope of LOA2, two additional medium lift rotary wing aircraft (AW-139) should be acquired, increasing the current medium lift fleet to eight helicopters. However, the Commission also stated that:
“in making these recommendations the Commission acknowledges that future defence planners may, in their detailed analysis, assess that the same effect can be delivered by different methods and as such the specific equipment recommendations outlined are intended to be indicative rather than prescriptive once the recommended capability requirement is met.”
In this instance, the Department and the Defence Forces examined, in accordance with the Public Spending Code Infrastructure Guidelines, whether the capability identified in the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces could best be delivered through the acquisition of additional medium-lift helicopters or through the procurement of a greater number of modern military light-utility helicopters. In this context, analysis was undertaken on whether resources that might otherwise have been allocated to the acquisition of two additional AW-139 aircraft could more effectively be invested in procuring four H145M light-utility helicopters. The H145M aircraft was assessed as providing enhanced flexibility across training, utility transport, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, maritime support and general operational taskings. In light of the planned replacement of the AW139 fleet, it was determined that investment in successor capabilities would represent the most effective and sustainable approach to meeting future Defence Forces aviation requirements, rather than expanding an AW139 medium lift rotary wing aircraft fleet that is scheduled for replacement.
In December 2024, a contract with a total capital value of €91.7 million (ex VAT) was placed for the delivery of four aircraft to provide a modern training and light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corps. The procurement was conducted in accordance with EU Defence and Security procurement legislation, the Public Spending Code and the Infrastructure Guidelines, and was underpinned by legal advice from the Attorney General. The four Airbus H145M helicopters will replace the ageing EC-135 fleet, which has reached the end of its useful service life.
The acquisition of the H145M helicopters forms part of a wider programme of rotary-wing fleet modernisation. Work is also underway, in accordance with the Infrastructure Guidelines and the recommendation within the CoDF Report and the updated Detailed Implementation Plan to assess the future Super Medium Lift helicopter capability and progress the project to replace the current AW-139 fleet medium lift capability.
I am satisfied that the procurement of the Airbus H145M helicopters forms part of a broader programme of fleet renewal and capability enhancement that will provide the Air Corps with a modern and resilient aviation capability to meet current and future Defence Forces requirements.
