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
-
Colombia confirms Gripen E/F buy, final negotiations still underway
The country was reportedly “months” away from an official aircraft selection, as of mid-March 2025.
-
Portugal joins Embraer and Brazil on C-390 ISR capabilities study
The ongoing study was first announced by Embraer in late 2024 with the Brazilian Air Force, with this latest addition announced during the LAAD defence and security exhibition.
-
Philippines approved for potential $5.5 billion F-16 aircraft purchase
The potential sale, approved by the US to the Philippines, is for 20 F-16 Block 70/72 jets, days after US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth visited the country.
-
Sweden commits to acquire four C-390 Millennium aircraft
The acquisition of four C-390 aircraft follows the country’s signing of an MoU in 2023 and formal selection in 2024. It will join the existing contract held by the Netherlands and Austria.
-
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.
-
Taiwan receives first F-16 Block 70/72 aircraft
The aircraft is the first of 66 to be delivered to Taiwan from Lockheed Martin.