Transport Aircraft of the Irish Air Corps

The Irish Air Corps is the air component of the Irish Defence Forces, providing vital air support and services for military and civilian operations. Established in 1922 as the Air Service, the Irish Air Corps has since evolved into a modern and versatile air force.

Initially, the Air Corps was primarily used for reconnaissance and transportation. Over the decades, it expanded its roles to include air ambulance services, search and rescue (SAR), maritime patrol, and air defense. Today, it operates a range of aircraft, including helicopters like the AW139 for SAR and emergency response, the Pilatus PC-12 for transport and surveillance, and the CASA CN-235 for maritime patrols.

The Air Corps is headquartered at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, just outside Dublin, which serves as its primary base for training, operations, and aircraft maintenance. Other notable bases include Shannon Airport, which supports maritime surveillance, and Sligo Airport, used mainly for SAR operations.

Their operational focus extends from military missions such as troop transport, air reconnaissance, and emergency medical evacuation, to civil missions like firefighting, disaster relief, and fisheries protection. With a commitment to both national security and public service, the Irish Air Corps plays a critical role in maintaining Ireland’s air sovereignty while providing crucial support to civilian authorities.

Irish Air Corps Transport Fleet

The Irish Air Corps flies the following aircraft types in transport, reconnaissance and patrol roles:

Airbus C295

Also known as the CASA C-295, this Spanish built turboprop aircraft is used by the Irish Air Corps in a maritime patrol role, with another aircraft on order to be used in a transport role.

Britten-Norman Defender

Based on the Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, the Defender is a military variant which can be used in a variety of roles.

The Irish Air Corps uses the type as a police support unit for the Garda.

Pilatus PC-12

Photo (c) Felix Kälin

This single-engine turboprop aircraft is popular with VIP and private users around the world.

The Irish Air Corps has four examples in its fleet, used in surveillance roles as well as general transport roles.

Learjet 45

Another popular biz jet, the Learjet 45 is used by the Irish Air Corps as an executive transport type.

In addition to the above aircraft types, the Irish Air Corps is also understood to have the Viking DHC-6-400 Twin Otter on order to replace the Britten-Norman Defender aircraft in its support role for the Garda.