An Cosantóir

26 EEZ zones. Flight times are generally of between five and seven hours duration. Once a thorough high-level, horizon-to-horizon scan is complete (bearing in mind the electronic horizon at 18,000 feet is some 200nautical miles) the aircraft will descend to make a closer inspec- tion of individual vessels which includes multi-spectral electro-optical and digital imagery. The sequence and priority of vessels to be over flown is determined by the on-board crew with the aircraft commander also serving as the overall mission commander. Any unusual activi- ty/presentation detected is then passed to the relevant authority for further action. Detections might include: • Environmental pollution • Vessels or Debris with very small radar cross sections not detected from longer ranges • Commercial or leisure vessels with unusual tracks or not broadcasting on AIS A second, albeit less frequent, MDSO flight profile is that of a 'high level' patrol. In this instance the MPA remains at altitude and essentially flies a race-track pattern of the entire Irish EEZ (taking about 5 hours) and completes a radar and AIS census of the entire region which nor- mally be up to 600 targets. A less common but persisting profile is in respect of pol- lution detection or SAR searches as requested by IRCG, whereby the aircraft acts as over watch or top-cover for longer-range helicopter hoist operations. The fourth profile is security related and varies from counter smuggling, to monitoring of foreign warship activity to intelligence gathering activities. Irish exclusive economic zone The Defence White Paper of 2015 mandated the re- placement of the existing CN235 aircraft with a pair of larger, more capable platforms. The CN235 replace- ment project formally commenced in Q4 of 2017 and culminated in December of 2019 with the placing of an order for two Airbus Defence & Space C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft, with deliveries scheduled in Q1 and Q2 of 2023. These replacement aircraft represent a significant enhancement of existing capabilities in every measur- able way. The aircraft are capable of flying faster, further and for extended periods of time. The sensor suite includes modern iterations of radar and electro-optical sensors with search and detection modes not previously available, in addition to new capabilities such as air- borne bathymetric LIDAR (for shallow sub-sea surface surveillance), Ultra Violet/Infra-Red sensor for pollution measurements, and a highly-capable Satellite Commu- nication (SATCOM) suite. Additional secondary capabil- ities include a cargo handling system for bulk transport, a military grade defensive aid suite and a comprehensive Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) system. While space- based surveillance and remotely piloted / unmanned systems have a significant part to play in maritime surveillance, doctrinally they are still regarded as supple- mental to human crewed Fixed Wing maritime surveil- lance aircraft. The C295 aircraft represent a significant investment and will have an in-service life expectancy comparable to that of their forerunners which will see them operationally employed until the early 2050s. AIRBORNE MARITIME DEFENCE & SECURITY OPERATIONS The extent of Ireland's maritime responsibility. First fully fit for purpose maritime surveillance aircraft. The future of maritime surveillance.

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