An Cosantóir

| 21 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE up to €1.4Bn annually, appropriate monitoring is essential to ensure regulations are being followed and any violations are dealt with accordingly. Additionally, the aircraft were equipped for SAR operations with the ability to deploy life rafts, surface smoke markers or illumination flares for night activity. Close cooperation is achieved with Coast Guard units through marine VHF and the aircraft are regularly involved with inter agency exercises. Although not specifically optimised for pollution monitoring, the aircraft are capable in providing this information to the Irish Coast Guard and have taken active roles in international pollution monitoring operations such as Super CEPCO events in Denmark, Germany and Norway, as well as observation and verification of satellite detections within the Irish area of responsibility. Outside of the maritime environment, the aircraft have become invaluable State assets for the provision of Air Am- bulance transfers both on and off island. CASAs are regular visitors to RAF Northolt, Newcastle and Manchester, as well as further afield to Brussels and Frankfurt in support of critical patient transfer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the CASAs were utilised to transport vital medical equipment and test samples to and from Ireland and were regularly tasked with logistic and humanitarian support to Irish UN missions abroad (Lebanon and Kosovo for example). It is easy to forget that there are only two aircraft and perhaps no surprise that they have amassed over 20,000 flight hours each - the highest of the worldwide CN-235 fleet - a testament to the expertise of the maintenance crews in 103 Squadron. This is where the Squadron now looks to the future, and the further expansion of roles and capabilities as the C295W MPA (and later MTA) variants are introduced into service. 2023 has long been in the minds of all personnel involved in the C295W project; as early as 16th January 2023, the first flight crews commenced the first ever pilot's type rating course in Airbus Defence and Space International Training Centre (ITC) in Seville, Spain. The first flight crew received their aircraft type rating qualification on 16th March 2023, just in time to celebrate St Patrick's Day! Concurrently in the same Training Centre in Seville, the first Loadmaster and B1/B2 technician courses commenced with all crews successfully completing their respective courses. In total, 106 individual courses will be completed by personnel from No 1 Operations Wing in the ITC Seville, gaining various qualifications on the new aircraft. The first C295W MPA is due for delivery in late June 2023, with personnel honing in their skills and knowledge operating the aircraft, and later com- mencing flight training throughout the summer. The second C295W MPA is due for delivery in late September. The new air- craft will provide much improved and enhanced surveillance capability (the addition of LiDAR for example), an on-board sea pollution detection system and defensive aids protec- tion system, the first of its kind on any Irish Air Corps aircraft. An increased lift capacity and range will be an invaluable capability for logistics support, a capability that will further be expanded with the arrival of the C295W MTA variant in 2025. The aircraft will also be expected to continue to provide support to SOF activity in the transport, para and C2 roles previously developed with the CN-235. Throughout this integration period, the trusted CN-235 will continue to provide the State with vital operational output until it is stood down in late 2023. This will undoubtedly be an emotional moment for the Air Corps, and wider Defence Forces, as the "big blue bus" is retired after over 31 years of stellar service. With the introduction of the C295W MPA and MTA, the Squad- ron updated its image to better reflect the official title of "Surveillance and Airlift". This in turn has led to a re-branding of the Squadron with a new badge, incorporating the aspects future roles while retaining important ties to the past and the foundation of the squadron. The shield design remains unique to the squadron, and a new text scroll of "Faireachas" (Surveillance) and "Aerárthach" (Airlift) in gold Celtic style font denotes the new squadron name. The primary image in the badge is the powerful and dominant grey horse, the same co- lour as the new aircraft. This horse has its roots in the ancient Celtic mythology of the Capaill Uisce – a mythical creature who lived in the seas and lakes of Celtic waters, who acted as protector of all in its path. The horse's green eyes symbolising their vigilance over Ireland and the Irish EEZ. The prominence of the crashing wave gives a nod to the squadron's primary role in the maritime environment, while the lightning bolt, a standard SIGINT symbol across many squadron insignia, sym- bolises the technological advances the platform possesses. Night time navy is the prominent background which denotes both the intention for day/night operations as well as the covert nature of future operations. The coming months will see much change in 101 Sqn as the C295W are introduced to service. The coming years will, however, see much progression and development across the entire Defence Forces as this platform provides new and exciting capabilities never before utilised in the organisation. Above all, 101 Sqn will continue to maintain "Eyes over the Sea……and beyond"! Nose view of the C295 Air Corps unit flash Pilot performing a training flight

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