Ireland receives first C295 maritime patrol aircraft
The C295s are primarily equipped for maritime surveillance. (Photo: Irish DoD)
The Irish Air Corps (IAC) has received the first of two C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) from Airbus.
The contract for the supply of two MSA aircraft was awarded to Airbus in December 2019 following an open tender competition.
These new aircraft will replace two existing CASA CN235-100 maritime patrol aircraft purchased for the IAC in 1994.
The C295s are primarily equipped for maritime surveillance, particularly fisheries protection, but will also provide the IAC with the capability to deliver a range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance flights, search and rescue and a general utility role.
The aircraft were manufactured in Seville, Spain and the total cost of the contract for both aircraft and associated training, ground equipment and spare parts is €230 million ($251 million).
The second MSA will be delivered later this year.
The C295 is the largest member of Airbus Defence and Space’s family of medium tactical airlifters and surveillance aircraft. It is a development of the CN235 but offers greater capacity and range than its predecessor.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year]()
Airbus to fly new CUAS UAV prototype this year
The counter-UAS prototype, named Low-cost Air Defence or ‘LOAD’, will be used to combat kamikaze UAS.
-
![Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks]()
Boeing to remanufacture five more US Army MH-47G Block II Chinooks
The contract award, worth $240 million, is part of the ongoing effort by the US Army to modernise its Block II Chinook rotorcraft fleet.
-
![Avalon 2025: Australia’s missile and ordnance plans excite companies]()
Avalon 2025: Australia’s missile and ordnance plans excite companies
Australia’s Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) industrial plan is ambitious and promises big spending in an effort to create a local and sovereign capability. Companies at last week’s Australian International Airshow near Melbourne were making their pitches.
-
![Avalon 2025: BAE Systems eyes customers for its Strix after initial flight]()
Avalon 2025: BAE Systems eyes customers for its Strix after initial flight
The Strix test effort suffered a setback last year when the prototype incurred minor damage in a hard landing during its second trial flight.
