Air Corps Adds C-295 With Capacity For 70 Troops, Medical Evacuations And Heavy Cargo

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 16:37

By Martin Osborne - Head of News. Got a story? Email news@kfmradio.com

The Tánaiste described the investment as a “significant enhancement” of Defence Forces capability, while the Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, said the aircraft will serve both military and civilian needs, including troop transport, logistics and medical transfers.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris, has welcomed the arrival of a new Airbus C-295 military transport aircraft at Casement Aerodrome.

It is the third C-295 delivered to the Air Corps in the past two years, forming part of a €300 million investment - the largest equipment acquisition project ever undertaken for the Defence Forces.

The aircraft will strengthen the State’s transport, airlift and medical evacuation capabilities, with capacity to carry up to 70 troops, 24 stretchers or 10 tonnes of equipment.

A Dassault Falcon 6X long-range jet is also due for delivery later this year.

Meanwhile, the Budget includes funding for extra defence forces members, along with other measures like equipment, maintenance, recruitment and naval security.

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