Ireland to acquire four new Airbus H145M Helicopters in €100 million deal

The Irish Government has finalized a contract worth nearly €100 million to purchase four new Airbus H145M military helicopters, signaling a significant enhancement of the Air Corps’ operational capabilities.

The new helicopters will replace the Air Corps’ two ageing EC135 light utility helicopters, which are approaching the end of their service life and are scheduled to be decommissioned in 2027. The €91.7 million deal, excluding VAT, will see the first deliveries in early 2027.

Enhanced Capabilities and Expanded Role

According to the Department of Defence, the Airbus H145M helicopters will serve a dual purpose, primarily training new pilots who will later operate larger aircraft or serve with the Garda Air Support Unit. However, these versatile helicopters will also boast intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and light combat capabilities, making them integral to various operations.

The new fleet will be instrumental in supporting Army, Naval Service, and Air Corps missions. They will also aid in transporting and deploying personnel from the elite Army Ranger Wing, the Defence Forces’ special operations unit. Equipped with advanced surveillance systems, including electro-optical and thermal-imagery features, the H145Ms will far surpass the capabilities of the current fleet.

Modernization Plans for the Defence Forces

This purchase is part of a broader modernization initiative outlined in the Commission on the Defence Forces’ report. In the coming years, the Air Corps will undergo significant transformations, including its renaming to the Air Force.

Future plans include acquiring a government jet with extended range capabilities, a long-range military transport aircraft for evacuating Irish citizens, and super medium helicopters to replace the existing AW139 fleet. Additionally, the installation of a military primary radar system and upgrades to Casement Aerodrome’s infrastructure in Baldonnell are in the pipeline.

Personnel Shortages Remain a Challenge

Despite these advancements, the Air Corps faces a considerable challenge in recruiting and retaining skilled pilots and technicians. Personnel shortages have severely impacted mission readiness, with the Air Corps currently operating at 677 personnel, well below its intended strength of 886.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieut Gen Seán Clancy, hailed the acquisition as a “transformative step” for Ireland’s Defence Forces. “These helicopters will enhance the Irish Air Corps’ rotary capability and serve as a critical enabler for our Army, Naval Service, and Special Operations Forces,” he said.

Air Corps Chief Brig Gen Rory O’Connor emphasized the deal’s long-term significance, stating, “These helicopters will play an essential role in shaping the next generation of rotary-wing pilots, ensuring the Irish Air Corps remains agile, adaptable, and mission-ready for years to come.”

According to a report by The Irish Times’ Conor Gallagher, this investment underscores Ireland’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and addressing the challenges posed by an evolving security landscape.