The Irish Department of Defence has finalized a contract with Airbus UK for the acquisition of four H145M light-utility helicopters, amounting to €91.7 million ($94.6 million). This significant deal was announced by Micheál Martin, the Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, this week.
The newly acquired multirole rotorcraft will replace two aging EC-135 aircraft and will be utilized for a variety of missions, including intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), light attack operations, police air support, and training. “These helicopters will not only significantly boost the capacity of the Defence Forces pilot training programmes but also enhance the intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and light combat capabilities of our Air Corps,” stated Martin.
The addition of these helicopters is expected to greatly improve operational support for Special Forces and the Army Ranger Wing. Brig. Gen. Rory O’Connor, General Officer Commanding of the Irish Air Corps, emphasized that the aircraft “will provide vital light tactical transport support to the Army, Navy, and Army Ranger Wing, reinforcing our interoperability with Special Operations Forces.” He further noted, “These helicopters will also play an important role in shaping the next generation of rotary-wing pilots, ensuring the Irish Air Corps remains agile, adaptable, and mission-ready for years to come.”
While Dublin has not disclosed specific weaponry that will be installed on the H145M fleet, the first aircraft delivery is anticipated in the first quarter of 2027. The H145M is generally equipped with the Airbus HForce weapons management system, which supports various ballistic and guided missile options, including a 12.7mm machine gun, a 20mm cannon, 70mm rockets, as well as air-to-air, air-to-ground, and laser-guided rocket munitions.
This acquisition comes shortly after Ireland signed a €53 million contract with France’s Dassault for a Falcon 6X multipurpose strategic reach aircraft. This aircraft is intended for transport, airlift, and medical capabilities and is set to operate from Casement Aerodrome in Dublin, with delivery slated for December 2025. It is expected to play a VIP transport role as Ireland assumes the presidency of the European Union in 2026.
Looking ahead, Ireland is committed to transforming its defense forces by 2028, based on the recommendations provided by the Commission on the Defence Forces. To achieve this goal, Dublin is focusing on the Commission’s Level of Ambition 2 (LOA2) concept and addressing priority gaps in response to any potential threats to Irish sovereignty.
