The Irish Air Corps took delivery of the first of two C295 MSA maritime surveillance aircraft purchased from Airbus to replace the aging CASA CN-235s.
The Tánaiste (Vice President of Ireland) and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Jacqui McCrum, the Chief of the General Staff, Seán Clancy and the General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, together with members of the project team and representatives of Airbus Defence and Space, took part in the ceremony to receive the first Irish C295 MSA at Casement Air Base.
The contract for the supply of two Maritime Patrol aircraft was awarded to Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019 following an open competition.
These new aircraft, which replace the two existing CASA CN235-100 Maritime Patrol Aircraft purchased for the Air Corps in 1994, are primarily equipped for maritime surveillance, particularly fisheries protection, but will also provide the Air Corps with the capability to deliver a range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulances, search and rescue and a general utility role.
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The aircraft were manufactured in Seville (Spain), and the total cost of the contract for both Maritime Patrol Aircraft and associated training, ground equipment and spare parts is €230 million, inclusive of VAT. The second Maritime Patrol Aircraft will be delivered later this year.
Addressing those attending the event, the Tánaiste stated:
«The replacement of the two CASA CN235’s with two larger, more capable aircraft will enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks. At €230 million for both aircraft and the associated training, spare parts and ground equipment, this is the largest equipment acquisition project undertaken for the Defence Forces».
