Irish Air Corps
Template:Short description Template:Use Hiberno-English Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox military unit
The Air Corps (Template:Langx) is the air force of Ireland. Organisationally a military branch of the Defence Forces of Ireland, the Air Corps utilises a fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft to carry out a variety of duties in conjunction with the Irish Army, Irish Naval Service and Garda Síochána. The headquarters of the Air Corps is located at the Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, County Dublin. The Air Corps has an active establishment of 886 personnel. Like other components of the Defence Forces, it has struggled to maintain strength and as of December 2023 had only 689 active personnel.<ref name="size"/> Unlike the Army or the Naval Service, the Air Corps does not maintain a reserve component.Template:Efn
While established as an army air corps in the 1920s, the Irish Air Corps was not operated as a separate military service until 1997. It is primarily built around various supporting roles rather than actually controlling Irish airspace, having retired its last jet fighter aircraft in 1999.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2022, the Irish government committed to implementing a series of changes proposed by the Commission on the Defence Forces, which called for (among other revisions) the establishment of an Air Corps Reserve by 2028.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
History
National Army Air Service
.svg){kind=link}
The origins of the Air Corps go back to the Anglo-Irish Treaty talks of 1921, a Martinsyde Type A Mark II biplane was purchased and put on 24-hour standby at Croydon Airport to allow Michael Collins to escape back to Ireland if the talks failed. The plane was not needed for this mission, and it became the first aircraft of the new National Army Air Service arriving in June 1922.<ref name="IAC">Template:Cite web</ref>
The National Army Air Service was established in July 1922 and was gradually equipped with various aircraft types acquired from the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Aircraft Disposal Company. This company had been formed in 1919 to dispose of surplus aircraft and aero-engines from World War I for the British government.<ref name="ipmsireland.com">Template:Cite web</ref> By the end of 1922, the National Army Air Service comprised ten aircraft, consisting of six Bristol F2B fighters from the First World War and four Martinsyde F4 Fighters,<ref name="ipmsireland.com"/> and about 400 men.
As the National Army Air Corps' capabilities were modest, and the Anti-Treaty IRA forces had no air force for it to engage in any event, the Air Corps played a minimal role in the Irish Civil War.Template:Citation needed It was renamed the Irish Army Air Corps as the Irish Free State reorganised its defence forces as part of Defence Forces Act 1924.
The Air Corps
Early years
With the establishment of the Defence Forces in 1924, the Air Service became the new Army's Air Corps and remained part of the Army until the 1990s.
In 1938 four Gloster Gladiator biplane fighters were delivered – a further eight were ordered but were embargoed by the outbreak of World War II. Other aircraft purchased from the United Kingdom before the outbreak of war included 16 Avro Anson Mark I maritime patrol bombers, 3 Supermarine Walrus amphibians, 6 Westland Lysander Mark II army co-operation aircraft and a number of trainers.
World War II (The Emergency)
During World War II (or The Emergency) there are no records of Air Corps planes engaging any belligerent aircraft, although dozens of escaped barrage balloons were shot down. Requests for more aircraft from Britain resulted in 13 obsolete Hawker Hector biplane light bombers being supplied during 1941. Twelve Hawker Hurricane Mk. Is were initially ordered for the Irish Army Air Corps in 1940 but were not delivered due to a wartime embargo imposed by the British government. Eleven Hurricane Mk. Is were eventually delivered to the Air Corps, from surplus RAF stocks, between July 1943 and March 1944, and the Hurricane Mk. I (no.93), that crash-landed in County Wexford in 1940, was the twelfth aircraft. These were supplemented by 6 Hawker Hurricane Mk. IIcs that were delivered to the Irish Army Air Corps in March 1945, to eventually replace the Hurricane Mk. Is of No. 1 Fighter Squadron. Supplied from surplus RAF stocks, the Hurricane Mk. IIcs were the last batch of aircraft to be delivered to the Air Corps before the end of World War II. The Hurricanes were the first monoplane fighter aircraft to enter service with the Air Corps and were also the first aircraft capable of reaching 300 m.p.h. in level flight. The Hurricane gave the Air Corps a proven modern fighter, and – at peak – 20 flew in Irish colours.<ref name="IAC"/> 163 belligerent aircraft force-landed in Ireland during the war, and in this way, the Air Corps acquired a Lockheed Hudson, a Fairey Battle, and three Hawker Hurricanes.
The Cold War
After the Emergency, the Hurricanes were replaced by Supermarine Seafires and a few two-seat Spitfire trainers.
The jet age arrived on 30 July 1956 when the Corps took delivery of three de Havilland Vampire T.55 trainers, followed by three more in 1960 who served as advanced trainers and fighters.<ref name="scramble">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Vampires were replaced by six Fouga CM.170 Magister jet trainers that were purchased secondhand from the French Air Force and delivered from 1975 to 1976.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Magisters were used for jet training, by the Light Strike Squadron and for aerobatics by the Silver Swallows display team that was formed in 1986.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Magisters were occasionally used to escort VIP aircraft.<ref name="Power1991">Template:Cite news</ref> The Magister could be equipped with two 7.62mm machine guns in the nose and fourteen 68mm rockets on its underwing hardpoints.<ref name="Power1991"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
De Havilland Chipmunk T.20s were introduced in the 1950s and used as basic flight trainers until 1976. Hunting Percival Provost T.51 and T.53s were also introduced in the 1950s as advanced flight trainers, serving until 1976.
During the mid-sixties and early seventies, the Corps played a part in expanding Ireland's film industry. Pilots and engineering staff participated in a 1965 box office success, The Blue Max. The fleet of World War I replicas, owned by ex-RCAF fighter pilot Lynn Garrison's "Blue Max Aviation", was based at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel – before being moved to Weston Aerodrome at Leixlip. Here the Corps continued its involvement, providing aircrew and engineering staff to support films such as Darling Lili, Von Richthofen and Brown, Zeppelin and a number of television commercials. Lynn Garrison was also responsible for coordinating the first demonstration of the Marchetti SF-260 Warrior at Baldonnel.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
As a result of this presentation, in 1977 the Corps acquired ten SIAI-Marchetti SF.260W Warriors for basic and advanced training and light ground attack. Four were lost in accidents, and one attrition replacement was acquired in 1979.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Three Avro Anson C.19s were delivered in 1946 for radio and navigation training, air-to-ground photography, and transport, and were replaced by four de Havilland Doves which arrived in 1953, 1959, 1962, and 1970, which were also used for calibration of radar and landing aids at Dublin and Shannon airports.
The troubles in Northern Ireland required additional reconnaissance resources, and in 1972 eight Reims-Cessna FR.172H joined the Air Corps to provide patrolling, aerial surveillance, and aerial communications. One Reims-Cessna FR.172K was delivered in 1981 as an attrition replacement.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Cessnas served with No 2 Support Wing, operating from Gormanstown until the airfield's closure in 2002.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Ireland's accession to the European Economic Community in 1973 which necessitated frequent travel to European capitals for government ministers led to the creation of the Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) and the acquisition of the Corps' first business jet, a BAe 125-700 (#238), which served until 1992.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This was joined in 1980 by a Beechcraft Super King Air 200 (#240), which also provided multi-engine training.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Ireland's accession to the EEC also necessitated sustained maritime patrolling of 342,000 km2 (132,000 square miles) of ocean. Two Beechcraft Super King Air 200s (#232 and #234) were delivered in 1977–78 to perform this duty.
The bad winter of 1962/3 incentivised the acquisition of helicopters and in November 1963, the Air Corps took delivery of its first three helicopters, SA.316B Alouette IIIs, followed by five more in 1972–73. The Alouettes performed search and rescue, troop transport and air ambulance duties.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two Aérospatiale SA342L Gazelle entered service in 1979 to provide helicopter training.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The single engine of the Alouette limited its search and rescue range over water, and in 1986 five twin-engined Aérospatiale SA365Fi Dauphin II were acquired for the SAR role. Two of these were modified for operation from the Naval Service Helicopter Patrol vessel LÉ Eithne, and equipped with crashproof fuel tanks and harpoon deck arrester gear.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2024, the state settled a case with a former Air Corps technician, who had worked in the avionics section in the 1990s, and who was "allegedly exposed to toxic chemicals which he says caused severe health difficulties".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Into the 21st century
.jpg){kind=link}
In November 1998, the Air Corps had two Fouga Magisters in service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Two of the six Magisters were to be retired in 1997 and a further two in 1998.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In early 1999, the Magisters were withdrawn from service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="magister-retirement">Template:Cite news</ref> The retirement of the Magisters meant that the Air Corps without any jet combat aircraft.<ref name="magister-retirement"/><ref name="AeroTime">Template:Cite news</ref> In 1998, a review of the Air Corps conducted by Price Waterhouse for the Irish government recommended replacing the Fougas and Marchettis by eight light strike/trainer aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2004, eight Pilatus PC-9M trainers were delivered to the Air Corps to replace the Marchettis and Magisters.<ref name="pc9-1" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The PC-9M is the first Air Corps aircraft to have ejection seats since the Vampire. The PC-9M has six underwing hardpoints, and is normally equipped with two FN HMP250 gun pods, each carrying one M3P machine gun, and two FN LAU-7 rocket pods, each carrying seven 70mm Folding-Fin Aerial Rockets, in the close air support role.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
One of the retired Marchettis was kept for the Air Corps Museum, while the remaining six were sold to a private reseller in the United States.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
On 12 October 2009, Air Corps instructor Captain Derek Furniss, and Cadet David Jevens were tragically killed when their PC-9M (#265) crashed during a training exercise in Connemara, County Galway.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2017, an attrition replacement (#269) was delivered.<ref name="pc9-2" />
To support Ireland's assumption of the EU Presidency in 1990, the Corps leased a Grumman Gulfstream III (#249) – which in 1990 became the first Irish military aircraft to circumnavigate the world.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The success of Gulfstream III as an ambassador for Ireland led to its replacement in 1992 by a Grumman Gulfstream IV (#251) which also replaced the HS.125.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Ireland again assumed the EU Presidency in 1994, and the Air Corps acquired a Learjet 45XR (#258) to supplement the government's ministerial travel requirements.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Ministerial Air Transport Service has since declined in use and size as government ministers are reluctant to travel in perceived luxury when adequate commercial air travel is available, and after repeated criticisms of government ministers using Air Corps aircraft for domestic travel.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The repeated technical problems to the MATS aircraft has led to their gradual withdrawal from service, with the Beechcraft the first to be retired in 2009.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The Gulfstream IV followed in 2014 after corrosion was detected in the undercarriage which required substantial costs to repair.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Learjet has continued in service, albeit with increasing unreliability, and (as of 2023) was due to be replaced by 2024.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
The two maritime patrol Beechcraft were unsuitable for flying in long periods in a salty atmosphere and were replaced by two CASA CN235-100MP Persuader which arrived in 1994.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> These were upgraded in 2006/2007 by EADS CASA to the FITS Persuader standard with enhanced radar, forward looking infrared equipment and a new electronic and avionics suite. In 2019, the government ordered two Airbus C295 maritime patrol aircraft which arrived in 2023 to replace the CN235.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In the 1990s the Air Corps gained a new role with the formation of the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) in 1997. The unit was initially equipped with one Britten-Norman Defender 4000 (#254),<ref name="pbn-1" /> and one Eurocopter AS.355N Ecureil (#255).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Operational control of the aircraft remains with the Department of Justice, Equality, and Law Reform, while the Air Corps provide pilots and technicians to fly and maintain the aircraft. The AS.355N was supplemented by a Eurocopter EC135 T2 (#256) in 2003, and replaced by a second EC135 T2 (#272) which arrived in January 2008.
During the 1990s and 2000s, the Air Corps gradually lost its search and rescue (SAR) role. In 1990, an inquiry chaired by retired Garda Commissioner Eamonn Doherty into Ireland's air sea rescue recommended transferring this service from the Air Corps to a new emergency service, and the stationing of rescue helicopters at regional airports instead of a centralised service.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The government accepted the recommendations and established the Irish Marine Emergency Service (IMES), now the Irish Coast Guard in 1991. Irish Helicopters operated the first privatised SAR helicopter, a Sikorsky S-61N, from Shannon in 1991. This service was later taken over by Bond Helicopters (now CHC Helicopter) in 1997 who also won the Dublin contract in 1999.
On 2 July 1999, Captains Dave O'Flaherty and Mick Baker, Sergeant Pat Mooney and Corporal Niall Byrne were tragically killed when their Dauphin (#248) crashed into sand dunes at Tramore Beach, County Waterford.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The crash only emphasised the limits of the Air Corps SAR helicopters, as the Alouette was only available during daylight hours and the Dauphin was small and had a short range. Both needed replacement by medium-sized helicopters.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
In 2002, CHC took over the Waterford SAR contract, leaving the Air Corps with only the north-east contract. While a S-61 was leased to train crews, pending a tender to purchase up to five medium helicopters, two of which would be SAR helicopters, the contract was cancelled and CHC took over the north-east contract based in Sligo, leaving the Air Corps without a SAR role.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Despite the cancellation of the order for five S-92s and the loss of the SAR role, the aging Alouettes, Gazelles and Dauphins still needed replacement. In 2004 the government ordered two Eurocopter EC135P2 light helicopters for training, air ambulance, and general utility, and four AgustaWestland AW139 medium helicopters for troop transport, air ambulance, and VIP transport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Gazelles were retired in 2005 and replaced in November by two EC135 P2.<ref name="ec135p2-1" />
The Dauphins were retired in 2006, followed by the Alouettes in 2007. During their operational lifetime, 3,300 people were assisted by the Alouette helicopters in their Search and Rescue and air ambulance roles.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The four AW139 arrived during 2006/7, and the option for an additional two was exercised and arrived in 2008.<ref name="aw139-1" /><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Since 2012, one of the AW139 has operated an air ambulance service from Custume Barracks, Athlone for the Emergency Aeromedical Service.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
On 4 October 2019, after 47 years of service to the state, the five remaining Reims/Cessna FR172H Rocket aircraft were retired from service after amassing 63,578 flight hours total.<ref name="cessnastanddown">Template:Cite web</ref> The Cessnas were replaced with several Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft during 2020.<ref name="PilatusPC12NG">Template:Cite web</ref> The first PC-12NG utility transport variant was delivered in April 2020,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> followed by three PC-12NG 'Spectre' aerial surveillance variants in September 2020.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
During the 2011 Libyan civil war, the Air Corps was tasked with evacuating approximately forty Irish citizens from the troubled country. The operation involved two Air Corps aircraft (the Learjet and one CN-235), and nine personnel, using Malta as a temporary base.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
There was much criticism of Ireland's inability to rescue its own citizens in the 2021 Kabul and 2023 Sudan evacuations due to Ireland's lack of a long-range, heavy-lift aircraft. In August 2021, Ireland had to ask France and Finland to rescue 36 Irish citizens from Kabul.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In April 2023, over 90 Irish citizens were evacuated from Sudan by aircraft from France, Spain and the UK.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In December 2022, an order was placed for an additional Airbus C295,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> to be used for cargo and personnel transport, including overseas operations, special operations forces support and medical evacuations. The aircraft arrived in October 2025.<ref name="c295-3"></ref>
Like other components of the Irish Defence Forces, the Air Corps has struggled to maintain strength and compete with private sector salaries. In May 2025, it was reported that a shortage of air traffic controllers meant that the Air Corps would be limited to 12-hour operations from Monday-Friday.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
As the Air Corps has not maintained fighter aircraft in its inventory since 1999, Britain's Royal Air Force reportedly sent fighter jets to intercept and escort a number of Russian bombers out of Ireland's airspace in the early 2020s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2022 Commission on the Defence Forces
In February 2022, the Commission on the Defence Forces published a report. For the Air Corps, the report recommended that the service be renamed to the Irish Air Force and advocated for the establishment of a Chief of the Air Force.Template:Sfn The Air Corps would change from being "an effective sub branch of the army" to having a "stand-alone command and decision-making structure".<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The report also recommended three levels of ambition (LOAs) with each level having different recommendations. LOA 1 proposes to maintain the current size of the Air Corps, while bringing active personnel numbers back up to the current establishment.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref>
LOA 2 recommends the development of additional capabilities, including:
- 2 additional medium helicopters – 8 Medium Helicopters to eventually be replaced with 8 super-medium helicopters
- Primary radar – establish a Recognised Air Picture (RAP)
- Strategic reach aircraft – transport and airlift for overseas deployments
- Counter UAV – Anti-drone/UAV capability
- Air Corps Reserve – recruitment of specialist roles (technicians, trained pilots, air traffic controllers)
LOA 3 recommends a further development of Air Corps combat capabilities, including:
- Jet combat aircraft – Air combat/intercept capability
- Troop carrier aircraft – Overseas deployment of personnel
- Armed CSAR helicopters – Organic intra-theatre deployments
Under LOA 3, the new Air Force would also be capable of deploying combat pilots, aircraft and support personnel overseas. LOA 2 recommends a budget of €1.5 billion with LOA 3 recommending a budget of €2.967 billion. The commission compared Ireland to other nations of similar GDP and population size, and determined these budgetary increases would be commensurate with those nations.Template:Sfn
As of 2023, the then Irish government had committed to implementing LOA 2 by 2028.Template:Sfn In February 2025, the Minister for Defence Simon Harris said the new government was "committed to moving to LOA3 after LOA2".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Organisation
The Irish Air Corps is the air branch of the Irish Defence Forces. Headed up by Brigadier General Rory O'Connor, General Officer Commanding,<ref name="goc2019"/> Air Corps (GOCAC), the Air Corps comprises a staff headquarters, two air wings, two ground support wings, one independent squadron and the Air Corps College. The Air Corps' principal base of operations is out of Casement Aerodrome in Dublin.
Air Corps Headquarters
- Office of General Officer Commanding
- Operations Section
- Support Section
- Military Airworthiness Authority
- Flight Safety Section
- Military Police Section
No 1 Operations Wing
1 Operations Wing is the main formation responsible for operational fixed-wing flying.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This is sub-divided into four individual flying squadrons and two non-flying squadrons, each of which has a dedicated role:
- 101 Squadron – Maritime Surveillance and Airlift
- 102 Squadron – Ministerial Transport
- 103 Squadron – Engineering
- 104 Squadron – Army Co-op
- 105 Squadron – Defence Forces Photographic Section
No 3 Operations Wing
3 Operations Wing is the formation responsible for operational rotary wing flying,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> and is divided into three flying squadrons and one non-flying squadron. It provides pilots for the Emergency Aeromedical Service, the air ambulance service which is jointly operated by the Air Corps and the HSE National Ambulance Service.
- 301 Tactical Helicopter Squadron
- 302 Training and Surveillance Squadron
- 303 Maintenance and Deployment Squadron
- 304 Garda Air Support Squadron
No 4 Support Wing
4 Support Wing is primarily concerned with second-line aircraft maintenance (front line maintenance is done by the engineering squadrons in each operational wing).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This formation has two squadrons.
- 401 Squadron – Mechanical support
- 402 Squadron – Avionics support
No 5 Support Wing
5 Support Wing is responsible for logistic support for the Air Corps.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 502 Squadron – Logistic support
- 503 Squadron – Transport
- 504 Squadron – Medical services
- 505 Squadron – Air Traffic Control
- 506 Squadron – Fire Fighting
Communication & Information Services Squadron
Template:See also Communication & Information Services Squadron (CIS) is responsible for the supply and maintenance of ground-based communications, navigation, radar and IT systems for the Air Corps. The CIS Squadron comprises a headquarters and four flights.<ref> Template:Cite web </ref>
- Squadron HQ
- Airfield Services Flight
- Communications Flight
- Technical Services Flight
- Information Technology Flight
Air Corps College
Template:Main The Air Corps College is the principal training unit of the Irish Air Corps, where all entrants into the service undertake their training. The college is divided into three distinct schools:<ref> Template:Cite web </ref>
- Flying Training School (FTS) – The FTS has primary responsibility both for flying training, for which it is equipped with a squadron of Pilatus PC-9 fixed-wing aircraft, as well as officer training.
- Technical Training School (TTS) – The TTS undertakes technical training for those who will become aircraft technicians.
- Military Training and Survival School (MTSS) – The MTSS is responsible for the basic military training of all new recruits, as well as career progression training.
Aircraft
Current inventory
Template:Active Irish Air Corps Aircraft
Aircraft orders
.jpg){kind=link}
In January 2023, the Irish government announced funding of €21.5 million for a replacement helicopter and fixed wing plane for the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU).<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> In July 2024, a DHC-6 Twin Otter was ordered as a replacement for the Britten-Norman Defender.<ref name="twinotter1" /><ref name="to2"/> In December 2024, the government announced the purchase of four Airbus H145M light utility helicopters for €91.7 million to replace the EC135s used for pilot training and the GASU.<ref name="H145Mgov.ie">Template:Cite press release</ref><ref name="h145-2" /> The helicopters are scheduled to begin arriving in 2027.<ref name="H145Mgov.ie"/>
In February 2023, the government agreed to replace the Learjet 45, which has been in service since 2004, has becoming increasingly unreliable and unable to fly long distances. The replacement jet is expected to seat ten passengers and be capable of long-distance travel to assist in overseas evacuation of Irish citizens, medical transport as well as ministerial air transport.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In December 2024, the government announced that it had ordered a Dassault Falcon 6X, known as the Strategic Reach Aircraft, which is due be delivered in December 2025 and available ahead of Ireland's EU Presidency in the second half of 2026.<ref name="falcon-1"/><ref name="falcon-2"/>
| Aircraft | Origin | Type | Variant | Ordered | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transport | ||||||
| Falcon 6X | France | Executive transport | 1 | Expected delivery in 2025 to replace the Learjet 45.<ref name="falcon-1"/><ref name="falcon-2"/> | ||
| Helicopter | ||||||
| Airbus H145 | Germany | Utility / trainer | H145M | 4 | Expected delivery from 2027 to replace all the EC135.<ref name="h145-2">Template:Cite news</ref> | |
| Police air support | ||||||
| DHC-6 Twin Otter | Canada | Police air support | Guardian 400 | 1 | Expected delivery in mid 2025 for the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) to replace the Britten-Norman Defender.<ref name="twinotter1">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="to2">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
Weapons
| Name | Origin | Type | Variant | Image | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small arms | ||||||
| Heckler & Koch USP | Germany | Semi-automatic pistol | File:First-year H&K USP 9mm (32415150000) modified.png | Standard service pistol<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> | ||
| Steyr AUG | Austria | Assault rifle | File:AUG A1 508mm 04.jpg | Standard service rifle since 1989<ref name="The Defence Forces">Template:Cite web</ref> | ||
| Machine guns & Rockets | ||||||
| FN MAG | Belgium | General-purpose machine gun | FN MAG 58M | File:AF 10 (13673766895) (2).jpg | Can be mounted on the AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter | |
| M2 Browning | United States | Heavy machine gun | M3P | File:Close up of Irish Air Corps Pilatus PC-9 in flight.jpg | Can be mounted in a wing pod on a Pilatus PC-9M for Close Air Support role<ref name="PC-9M">Template:Cite web</ref> | |
| Rocket pods | Belgium | Unguided rockets | LAU 7 | Can be mounted under the wing of a Pilatus PC-9M for Close Air Support role<ref name="PC-9M"/> | ||
_modified.png){kind=link}
_(2).jpg){kind=link}
Future
The Irish Air Corps lacks primary radar to detect aircraft in Irish controlled airspace who have switched off their transponders, like hijacked aircraft and incursions by Russian military aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The 2015 White Paper on Defence stated that, if additional funding became available, the acquisition of a radar surveillance capability for the Air Corps would be a priority.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref><ref name="DáilÉireann8Oct20">Template:Cite web</ref> The White Paper on Defence Update 2019 reported that no additional funding had been provided.Template:Sfn<ref name="DáilÉireann8Oct20"/> In February 2022, the report of the Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) recommended acquiring primary radar under Level of Ambition (LOA) 2.Template:Sfn In September 2022, The Irish Times reported that it would cost over €100 million to procure primary radar.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In November 2023, the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission of the Defence Forces (DIP-CoDF) stated that the recommendation to develop a primary radar was planned to be completed by 2028.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref>
The 2022 CoDF recommended under LOA 2 that eight super‐medium helicopters should be acquired when the existing fleet of medium-lift helicopters is due to be replaced.Template:Sfn The 2023 DIP-CoDF stated that the acquisition could be completed by 2028.Template:Sfn
Since the retirement of the Fouga Magister in 1999, Ireland has lacked an air intercept capability.<ref name="magister-retirement"/><ref name="AeroTime"/><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, since 1952 Ireland has had a secret agreement with the UK to allow the Royal Air Force to respond to incursions into Irish airspace.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The 2015 White Paper on Defence stated the White Paper update would consider a more capable air combat/intercept capability than the PC-9s.Template:Sfn The 2019 Update to the White Paper on Defence reported that the project had not commenced.<ref>Template:Cite report</ref> The 2022 CoDF recommended acquiring a squadron of jet combat aircraft under LOA 3.Template:Sfn This would increase Ireland's air defence capabilities to a level comparable to similar sized countries in Europe.Template:Sfn The 2023 DIP-CoDF stated that the recommendation would be considered by government in 2028.Template:Sfn
The Pilatus PC-9s are due to reach their 20-year service life in 2025,<ref name="examinerWhitepaper">Template:Cite news</ref> however as of 2023 no tender for a replacement aircraft had been announced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Roles
The roles and functions of the Air Corps are more akin to an army air corps rather than a conventional air force. The Air Corps has no air intercept capability, and very limited low-level ground attack capacity. The Air Corps can provide a day/night tactical helicopter troop transport, but without armed helicopter escort support.
The Air Corps non-military capabilities in aid to the civil power and other Government departments include ministerial transport, maritime patrol, police support, search and rescue support, air ambulance, aerial firefighting, and aerial surveillance, observation and photography.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
.jpg){kind=link}
Air ambulance
The Air Corps provides an air ambulance service for emergency rapid transfer of patients between hospitals, to hospitals from offshore islands, transferring patients for treatment overseas, and transporting emergency organ retrieval teams. The aircraft used are the AW139, EC135, C-295 and Learjet.
An Air Corps AW139 also provides an Emergency Aeromedical Service for the National Ambulance Service based out of Custume Barracks in Athlone, providing an emergency patient airlift service from scenes of accidents to hospitals.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Maritime patrol
The Air Corps operates two CASA C-295 long-range maritime patrol aircraft in support of fishery protection, marine surveillance, and search and rescue.<ref name="World Air Forces 202452"/>
Ministerial Air Transport Service
The Air Corps provides a Ministerial Air Transport Service (MATS) for the President and members of the Government in official engagements abroad. The Learjet 45 is used specifically for this purpose, with the AW139, EC135 and CASA occasionally used.
.jpg){kind=link}
Garda Air Support
The Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) provides specialist air support for the Garda Síochána, Ireland's national police force. The Air Corps provides three aircraft, two Eurocopter EC135 T2 helicopters and a Britten-Norman Defender, as well as pilots and aircraft technicians to the GASU, while the Department of Justice retains operational control of the aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Ranks
Template:Main The Air Corps' ranks are similar to those of the Irish Army. As of April 2023, the strength was 711 all ranks.<ref name="size"/>
Template:Irish Air Corps rank insignia
See also
- Colonel James Fitzmaurice
- History of Ireland
- Irish State Aircraft
- List of aircraft of the Irish Air Corps
- Permanent Defence Force Other Ranks Representative Association
- Politics of the Republic of Ireland
- Representative Association of Commissioned Officers
- Reserve Defence Forces Representative Association
Notes
References
External links
Template:Commons category Template:Wikiquote
Template:Irish Air Corps Template:Irish Defence Forces Template:Air forces in Europe Template:Air forces Template:Authority control