The delivery of the third C295 completes a 300 million euro program and marks a historic step in the modernization of the Armed Forces
L’Irish Air Force received its third and final transport aircraft Airbus C295officially closing the largest defense contract in the country’s history. The program, worth 300 million eurosincluded the delivery of two units in the maritime patrol version C295 MSA “Persuade” and one in the tactical transport configuration.
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According to the government, the investment represents the most ambitious equipment acquisition project ever undertaken by Irish Armed Forces.
Modernization and strategic autonomy
Il Defense Minister of Ireland highlighted that the arrival of the new C295, along with the future delivery of the strategic executive jet Dassault Falcon 6X — scheduled for the end of 2025 —, significantly increases national capabilities in the fields of transportation, aerial surveillance and medical evacuation.
The minister also said the program “demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening the infrastructure and operational independence of the Irish Air Corps”.
New capabilities and replacement of the old fleet
The new multi-role aircraft C295 expands Ireland’s operational reach into troop transport, logistics support, medical evacuation and international humanitarian operations missions. The model replaces veterans CN235in service since 1994 and now considered obsolete compared to modern maritime patrol and rapid response needs.
National fighter and radar plan
Historically, Ireland has relied on the United Kingdom for aerial interceptions, since it does not have its own fighters or an independent radar system. Since 1999, British planes have patrolled Irish airspace — a situation increasingly criticized within the country.
In 2025, the government announced a paradigm shift: it intends to invest up to 2.5 billion euros for the acquisition of 8–14 hunt and for the implementation of a complete radar system, thus ensuring autonomy in the defense of national airspace.
Towards a more independent defense
With the arrival of the new C295s and the future introduction of the Falcon 6X, Ireland takes a strategic step towards the modernization and operational sovereignty of its air forces – a historic milestone for a country traditionally neutral, but increasingly attentive to European security.
Source and images: gov.ie | Airbus Defense | @AirbusDefence. This content was created with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
