According to information published by the Irish government on June 29, 2023, the Irish Air Corps officially received two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol aircraft.
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Artist rendering of the C295 Maritime Patrol aircraft. (Picture source: Airbus)
Accompanied by Secretary General of the Department of Defence, Jacqui McCrum, and Chief of Staff, Seán Clancy, the Tánaiste was met by the commanding officer of the Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, and team members involved in project implementation, along with representatives from Airbus Defence and Space.
The contract for these patrol aircraft was granted to Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019 after a public tender. Replacing the two existing CASA CN235-100 Maritime Patrol Aircraft acquired in 1994, these new aircraft offer maritime surveillance—particularly for fisheries protection—and equip the Air Corps with capabilities for services such as logistics support, troop and equipment transportation, medical evacuation, search and rescue, and general utility.
The aircraft were produced in Seville, Spain. The entire contract, including both Maritime Patrol Aircraft, associated training, ground equipment, and spare parts, cost €230 million, VAT included. The second Maritime Patrol Aircraft is scheduled for delivery later this year.
Technical data
The aircraft measures 24.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 27.6 meters. Its operational ceiling is listed at 30,000 hours and it can reach a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots.
Included in its setup is a comprehensive military communications package. It can carry a payload up to 23,200 Kg and has a range exceeding 2,300 nautical miles.
