Ireland receives first C295 maritime patrol aircraft
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.
Related Articles
Ireland adopts middle course for defence spending growth with air surveillance radar a priority
Brunei orders Airbus military transport aircraft
First Indian C295 transport aircraft performs maiden flight
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 Programmes in Defence Insight
Strategic Airlift Capability [Ireland]
Maritime Patrol Aircraft [Ireland]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Insight: How India’s Tri-Service MQ-9B $4 billion deal was awarded
After lengthy negotiations, the Indian Ministry of Defence has now signed a US$4 billion contract with the US Government to procure 31 MQ-9B drones from General Atomics, marking India as the largest customer of this UAV model.
-
WaveAerospace aims to launch production of new UAS platforms in 2025
WaveAerospace has been showcasing its MULE heavy-lift VTOL UAS, designed for contested logistics missions with a payload capacity of more than 40kg and up to four hours of endurance, while also introducing Huntress, a fast multirotor UAS. Both will be expected to enter production by 2025.
-
Teledyne FLIR Defense Wins $91 million deal for Black Hornet 4 UAS
The Black Hornet 4 was unveiled 12 months ago and has an improved thermal sensor and an EO camera over the previous platform, and a forward-facing ultrasound sensor and navigation cameras on the top and sides.