First Irish Air Corps C295MPA delivered
On 27 June 2023, the first C295MPA Maritime Patrol Aircraft for the Aer Chór na hÉireann (IAC, Irish Air Corps) was delivered to Baldonnel.
The aircraft flew straight from the Paris Air Show to Ireland and had all markings taped over during the ferry flight. The only visible marking was the construction number of the aircraft, which is 211. Upon arrival the MPA was stripped of the tape and revealed its new identity and serial (284).
On 13 December 2019, the IAC signed a contract with Defence and Space for two C295MPA Maritime Patrol Aircraft. The new aircraft will operate primarily in the Maritime Defence and Security (MDSO) role and will replace the current CN235M-100 maritime patrol aircraft, which have been in service since 1994 and amassed over 20,000 flight hours per aircraft.
In January 2023, the Irish Department of Defence (DoD) paid a deposit to secure the purchase of a third Airbus Defence & Space (CASA) C295MW. This order is an addition to an already existing order for two C295 aircraft in the Maritime Patrol variant. The newly ordered C295MW is a cargo variant.
Credit photo: Irish Air Corps