Defence Forces To Purchase Four New Helicopters To Strengthen Air Corps At Cost Of Over €90m

Monday, 30 December 2024 09:58

By Martin Osborne

The €91.7 million (plus VAT) contract has been awarded to Airbus Helicopters UK Limited.

The Department of Defence has signed an agreement to purchase four new helicopters to enhance the Air Corps' operational capabilities.

The light-utility helicopters will serve as pilot training aircraft, supporting both Defence Forces missions and the Garda Air Support Unit.

The €91.7 million (plus VAT) contract has been awarded to Airbus Helicopters UK Limited, with the delivery of the new Airbus H145M helicopters expected to commence in early 2027.

According to the Department of Defence, the helicopters will assist in a wide range of missions, including maritime security missions, utility missions, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and light attack missions.

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