Milestone Achieved: Delivery of Ireland’s Final C295 Aircraft
Overview of the Acquisition
On October 7, the Irish Defence Forces celebrated a significant achievement with the arrival of the third and final Airbus Defence and Space C295 aircraft at Casement Aerodrome, located near Dublin. This delivery marks the culmination of a EUR300 million (approximately USD349 million) investment initiated in December 2019, aimed at reinforcing Ireland’s fixed-wing dual-role capabilities.
Key Details of the Aircraft Delivery
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Aircraft Configuration: The newly delivered aircraft, designated tail number 286, is configured exclusively for transport missions, distinguishing it from its maritime patrol counterparts.
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Historical Significance: According to the Irish Defence Forces, this project represents the largest equipment procurement initiative in their history. It underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing airlift, logistics, and medical support capabilities for both domestic and international operations.
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Operational Assignment: All three C295 aircraft will be operated by the Irish Air Corps’ No. 1 Operations Wing, specifically within the 101 Squadron. The transport variant of this airframe will facilitate troop and cargo movements, special forces operations, and aeromedical evacuations.
Technological Enhancements
The three C295s delivered to Ireland incorporate features from the enhanced version of the aircraft revealed in November 2019. These upgrades include:
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Advanced Avionics Suite: The newer systems enhance navigation and operational capabilities.
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Improved Performance Characteristics: Addressing both operational efficiency and safety, these enhancements equip the aircraft for a broader range of missions.
Global Context
To date, Airbus Defence and Space has successfully delivered 238 units out of an order of 311 C295s to 35 nations and one private entity. This level of production highlights the aircraft’s growing reputation as a versatile and reliable platform in the global defense market.
This strategic acquisition not only bolsters Ireland’s defense capabilities but also illustrates a commitment to modernization amidst evolving security challenges. For those interested in additional insights on Ireland’s C295 program and its implications for national defense, further resources are available.
This summary captures the essence of Ireland’s latest military procurement and its strategic significance, aiming to inform defense professionals about advancements in airlift capabilities and the broader context of military modernization.
