The Irish Air Corps has taken delivery of the first maritime patrol C295 turboprop, the country’s Ministry of Defense said.
The aircraft produced by Airbus is part of an order for two aircraft placed in 2019 after a tender.
In Air Corps, the Irish Defense Forces air division, the two C295s will replace the two CASA CN235-100s, which have been in service since 1994.
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The C295 is a derivative of the CN235, a turboprop developed in the 1980s in a partnership between the Spanish CASA and the Indonesian manufacturer IPTN, as a regional aircraft.
According to the Ministry of Defense of Ireland, the new planes will be used for maritime surveillance, particularly the protection of fisheries, but will also provide logistical support and transport troops and equipment, medium and rescue evacuation, among others.
“The C295 is designed to operate in various conditions and terrains, the C295’s robust construction and versatility make it an ideal asset for a wide range of operational scenarios. Whether it be maritime surveillance, support to the Defense Forces at home or overseas, or support during humanitarian crises, the C295 will enable us to fulfill our commitments effectively and with precision as the State’s primary aviation provider,” said Lieutenant General Sean Clancy.
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The second C295 will be delivered in 2023, the Defense Ministry said.
