The first of Ireland’s two brand-new Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft has arrived at Casement Aerodrome.

The new aircraft is the first of two aircraft which will replace the CASA CN235-100 Maritime Patrol Aircraft purchased in 1994 by the Air Corps.

The contract for the supply of two Maritime Patrol aircraft was awarded to Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019 following an open tender competition – with a total cost of €230 million, VAT inclusive.

This is the largest equipment acquisition project undertaken for the Defence Forces.

This price includes the contract for both Maritime Patrol Aircraft and associated training, ground equipment and spare parts. 

The arrival of the first of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. (Photo by Newstalk)

While the main purpose of the aircraft is maritime surveillance for fisheries protection, they also hold the potential to be used for logistics support and the transport of troops and equipment.

The Airbus may also provide medical evacuation and air ambulances, search and rescue and a general utility role.

The C295 can operate day and night in all weather extremes, supports anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and search and rescue missions, and can last over 10 hours on task.

The second Maritime Patrol Aircraft will be delivered later this year.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin, Department of Defence Secretary General, Jacqui McCrum and Chief of Staff, Seán Clancy, and was met by General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor as well as members of the team involved in delivering the project and representatives from Airbus Defence and Space (Photo from Department of Defence)

Speaking at the event, Minister for Defence and Tánaiste Micheál Martin said it was an "important moment for the Air Corps."

"The replacement of the two CASA CN235s with two larger, more capable aircraft will enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo-carrying tasks," he said.

"This significant investment is an indication of the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that our Defence Forces retain a range of flexible conventional military capabilities to fulfil their roles and duties.”

The Tánaiste commended the Department of Defence and Air Corps project team and their counterparts in Airbus Defence and Space.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin welcomes the arrival of the first of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft (Photo from Department of Defence)

In accordance with the National Development Plan, the capital allocation for Defence is €566 million over the 2022 to 2025 timeframe.

The recent Budget for 2023 increased the Defense budget to €176 million – an increase of €67m from 2022.