Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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47. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence for details concerning the purchase of H145 helicopters by the Defence Force Air Corps, in particular the details of the tendering process ahead of this purchase; whether any consideration was given to the fact that these helicopters contain 'Helionix' subsystems manufactured by Israeli manufacturer (details supplied); and whether he is aware of the reports on the systems contained in the defensive aids for the purchased helicopters. [53014/25]

Carol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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49. To ask the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence the reason his Department only signed a contract for the delivery of four Airbus H145M helicopters, delivery of which will begin on a phased basis in Q1 2027, when the Department was aware that the Air Corps EC-135s are presently at the end of their useful service life; if he will accept that it would have been preferable to have begun the contract negotiations at an earlier point to ensure seamless transition from EC-135s to Airbus H145M helicopters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53134/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 47 and 49 together.

In December 2024 the Department of Defence signed a contract for the delivery of four Airbus H145M helicopters which will provide a modern light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corps. The aircraft were purchased in accordance with the provisions of the Defence and Security Directive 2009/81/EC. They will replace the present ageing fleet of two EC-135s, which have reached the end of their useful service life. The capital value of the contract is €91.7 million ex. VAT and it is anticipated that delivery of the helicopters will begin on a phased basis in Q1 2027.

The Airbus H145Ms represent a modernisation and expansion of light-utility helicopter capability for the Air Corp. Their multi-role capability mean that the H145Ms will be equipped to satisfy a wide range of missions including maritime security missions, utility missions, Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) and light attack missions.

As well as enhancing the Defence Forces current ISTAR capabilities, the aircraft also provide enhanced Electro-Optical and Thermal Imagery, features not available in the current Rotary Wing fleet.

Specifically in relation to the procurement of Israeli military technology, I can confirm that there is currently no intention to purchase military equipment from Israel. Since the ICJ advisory opinion of 19 July 2024, the Department has included provisions in its tender documentation regarding the right to reject offers from third countries on defence and security grounds, in line with the Commission guidance on the procurement of defensive equipment under Directive 2009/18/EU.

While the Department does not comment on systems fitted to Air Corps aircraft for operational reasons, the H145 rotary wing aircraft comes fitted with the Helionix Avionics Suite, an avionics solution which is proprietary to Airbus. Avionics systems are fitted on all and modern civil and military aircraft to assist pilots to fly the aircraft safely and are not military specific.

The defensive aide system on the aircraft is fitted solely for the defensive protection of the aircraft from threats and is not a weapons system. The defensive aide system fitted to the aircraft is a proprietary product of Hensoldt and is manufactured in Germany.

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.

The rolling Equipment Development Plan encompasses a programme of sustained equipment procurement/acquisition across the Army, Air Corps and Naval Service as identified and prioritised in the Strategic Framework and the Detailed Implementation Plan for the Report of the Commission on the Defence Forces, building on the work done under the White Paper on Defence. This is part of the ambitious programme of work to move to Level of Ambition 2 ( LOA2) by 2028 and will ensure that the Defence Forces have the major equipment platforms, ancillary equipment and force protection equipment required to carry out their important roles both at home and overseas.

Projects for Air Corps capabilities are considered in the context of overall capability development and available funding in accordance with the planning processes.