Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

225. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence when the second C-295 maritime patrol aircraft will come into the Air Corps fleet. [38941/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service is maintained and developed. This is to enable the Defence Forces to carry out the roles assigned by Government. Equipment priorities (including replacement capabilities as they near end of life) for the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service are considered in the context of the established capability development and Equipment Development Planning (EDP) processes.

Capital investment in aircraft continues with the placing of a contract with Airbus at a cost of €72 million, including VAT, for a military transport aircraft for the Defence Forces. The Airbus C295W aircraft is highly versatile and will provide a dedicated asset to support the Defence Forces military airlift transport requirements and provide a wide contingent capability. The aircraft will enable the Air Corps to provide a wide range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulance, Special Operations Forces operations and a general utility role. Delivery of this aircraft is expected in 2025.

The programme for the supply of two C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is nearing completion with the arrival of the first aircraft in June this year. The second C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft is expected to arrive into Baldonnel in quarter 4 this year.

Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

226. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the number of cadet pilots in training and military avionics technicians currently in the Air Corps. [38942/23]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am advised by the military authorities that, as of 31 August 2023, there are 92 qualified military pilots. In addition there are 20 trainee pilots comprised of 8 cadets completing military training, which is required before they commence their Pilot Wings course, and a further 12 officers undertaking pilot training.

As of the same date, 29 of the 172 qualified Military Aircraft Technicians (MATs) were Avionics Technicians. There is a strong training pipeline for MATs consisting of 48 apprentices who are undergoing their qualification process and will, on successful completion, be streamed into rotary, fixed-wing or avionics technician categories.