Ireland signs $93 million deal for new utility helicopters
Ireland is replacing its EC135s with H145Ms. (Photo: Irish Defence Force)
Ireland has ordered four Airbus H145M light utility helicopters to replace its ageing EC135 helicopters under a deal worth €90 million (US$93 million) or almost €100 million including VAT.
The new aircraft will be used to support the training of Irish Defence Forces (IDF) and the Garda (Police) Air Support Unit personnel but unlike the older aircraft will be fitted with additional equipment. They are expected to enter service in early 2027.
According to a Department of Defence statement “they will be equipped to satisfy a wide range of missions including maritime security, utility, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and light attack missions”.
Related Articles
Irish report recommends new combat aircraft squadron, 12 ships by 2040
Irish defence review highlights importance of Capability Development Unit and looks to new threats
“They will greatly improve the operational support provided to the Army Ranger Wing as well as providing broader support across the IDF training and operations,” read the statement.
IDF Chief of Staff Lt Gen Seán Clancy said: “The new light multi-role helicopters will not only enhance the Irish Air Corps rotary capability but will also serve as a critical enabler to the Army, Naval Service and Special Operations Forces.”
The Irish Government’s Commission on the Defence Forces noted the need to replace the EC135s along with the force’s larger AW139s but that this would not occur within the life of the 2025 Defence White Paper.
The announcement follows the decision earlier in the month by the Irish Government to purchase a new long-range Falcon 6X jet which will primarily provide VIP transport but also medical transport and defence forces support.
It will be used for the repatriation of IDF personnel deployed on overseas missions and logistics support for the transport of supplies to IDF overseas missions.
The aircraft is being purchased for €53 million (US$55 million) with an expected delivery date of December 2025.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Turkey’s Eurofighter process going to plan despite German block, says minister
The comment, made by Turkish defence minister Yasar Guler, also noted that the 40-strong sale of Eurofighter Typhoons was primarily managed by the UK, not Germany.
-
Belgium considers additional F-35 order to boost fleet
The statement from Prime Minister Bart De Wever during a parliamentary session follows the country’s Easter Agreement which would see it increase defence spending to 2% of GDP by the end of 2025.
-
Northrop Grumman notes $477 million loss as it manages higher B-21 programme costs
In its Q1 earnings call, the company disclosed a US$477 million pretax loss related to the programme as it works to scale up.
-
India set to sign Rafale-M deal
New Delhi gears up to sign Navy Rafale deal as talks swirl around a potential assembly line in Nagpur.
-
Lockheed Martin wants to “supercharge” F-35 after NGAD loss
The investment in technologies developed for Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) aircraft bid will now be applied to its F-35 and F-22 aircraft, according to Lockheed Martin CEO James Taiclet.