An Cosantóir

www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE | 7 www.military.ie THE DEFENCE FORCES MAGAZINE Now for the first time we're stepping into a true military helicopter, purpose-built for combat and operational roles, bringing versatility and firepower to No. 3 Ops Wing that we've never had before. While compact, the H145M is packed with advanced technology and firepower. The Air Corps' fleet will be configured for multi-role operations, including light attack missions, intelligence and surveillance, maritime security, and utility roles. The aircraft will be equipped with electro-optical sensors, thermal imaging, and communications technology that will allow for long-range surveillance and real-time intelligence gathering. It will also feature a secure communications suite that enhances coordination with ground and naval forces, providing a fully integrated approach to modern defence operations. On the weapons front, the H145M will be armed with a .50 calibre machine gun and 2.75-inch folding fin aerial rockets. Ballistic armour protection will be installed, ensuring that aircrew have the necessary protection in high-threat environments. Additionally, the aircraft will feature self-sealing fuel tanks, further enhancing survivability in combat scenarios. The H145M isn't just about combat roles — it's built to adapt quickly. Need to transport troops? Done. Switching to a search-and-rescue mission? Easy. Providing air support to ground forces? No problem. This quick-change capability means the Air Corps can respond faster and handle more missions than ever before. "These helicopters will not only significantly boost the capacity of the Defence Forces pilot training programmes, but also enhance intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance and light combat capabilities of our Air Corps." — Micheál Martin, Tánaiste and Minister for Defence (at the time of announcement) MULTI-ROLE MASTER: MEET THE H145M LIGHT ATTACK MISSIONS The arrival of the H145M marks the first time the Irish Air Corps has operated a fully military-spec helicopter. Previously, our helicopters were mainly civilian types adapted for military roles, but now we have something built from the ground up for operational tasks. Armed with a .50 calibre machine gun and 2.75-inch aerial rockets, this aircraft can directly support ground forces during security operations. An added bonus is its compact size, allowing it to be easily transported inside larger cargo aircraft like the A400M or C-17—meaning we could in future deploy it quickly to international missions or operations far from home, should the need arise. INTELLIGENCE, SURVEILLANCE, TARGET ACQUISITION, AND RECONNAISSANCE (ISTAR) The H145M brings advanced ISTAR capabilities that were previously unavailable to the Air Corps. It comes equipped with electro-optical and thermal imaging systems, allowing crews to carry out detailed surveillance from a safe distance. Think about situations like the recent interdiction involving the MV Matthew, where precise aerial intelligence was key in coordinating operations between the Defence Forces, Gardaí, and Naval Service. This helicopter will dramatically enhance our ability to monitor movements, track suspicious activities, and improve overall situational awareness both at home and overseas. MARITIME SECURITY MISSIONS Maritime operations demand quick thinking and flexibility — something the H145M offers in spades. It includes features like an external winch, fast-roping capability, and an emergency flotation system, making it ideal for maritime scenarios. Whether supporting the Naval Service on a ship-boarding mission or carrying out surveillance along our coastline, the H145M's combination of features allows troops to rapidly respond and engage when necessary. The increased collaboration between the Air Corps and Naval Service will become even more seamless, improving our capability to deal with maritime threats effectively. UTILITY MISSIONS Utility operations have long been a cornerstone of Air Corps duties, ranging from emergency medical evacuations and troop transport to aerial firefighting. The new helicopter continues this tradition, but now with even greater efficiency. It's equipped with a NATO-standard litter system for medical evacuations and can swiftly adapt from external underslung loads to personnel transport. Whether responding to natural disasters, supporting Army Ranger Wing operations, or aiding civilian authorities during major incidents, the flexibility of the H145M ensures rapid and reliable support whenever and wherever it's needed. These four helicopters represent a significant leap forward for the Air Corps, ensuring No. 3 Ops Wing is prepared for modern operational demands while maintaining the flexibility needed to adapt to future challenges. Crucially, these aircraft are the first in a wider helicopter fleet replacement programme for the Air Corps. The Super Medium replacement project has already commenced with a view to replacing the AW139's as per the Detailed Implementation Plan. Post procurement project meetings are underway for the H145M, laying the groundwork for the arrival of the new fleet. Training for aircrew and support personnel is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2026, ensuring a smooth transition to operating the new aircraft. The first H145M is expected to arrive in Q1 2027, making it fitting that we acquire an aircraft of this capability as we transition into an Air Force, ready to support Óglaigh na hÉireann wherever and whenever the need arises.

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