Exclusive walkaround: the first C295 MSA for Ireland 

I agree. The lack of resources available to our defence forces encourages prudent and well considered acquisitions. Hopefully we will see more investment in our air defence and naval capabilities which are seriously lacking at the moment.

Well said

100% agreed.

Poresito, dejalo😅!

@@iolarmara490 Knowing how things go in the Irish government, I wouldn't be holding my breath...

Historically the service was the "Air Corps" of the Army, the same way the Infantry or Artillery corps are (same uniforms, ranks etc), but they became independant of the Army's command structure in the 90s , though they still work very closing together (particularly the rotary wing).

What fantasy world are u from

@@Truthbomb918 Excess funds :D

@@3storiesUp excess funds what? It's not going to be used for this fantasy

El C295 es una evolución. El C235 quedó atrás

Never trust chinese technology. Huge maintainence issues and operating costs even if they sound cheap in the beginning

Whilst I seed the point you're trying to make, it's not as if these aircraft are being purchased on a whim. They'll replace the existing CASA C-235 Maritimne Surveillance Aircraft currently serving in the Air Corps, which are coming to the end of their service lives after thirty years of operation. Given the additional capabilities that these new aircraft have over the current C-235, the LiDAR sensor in particular is a game changer, as is the SATCOM antenna, I'd actually say that this is exceptional value for money. My only complaint is that Ireland didn't use the chance to increase the maritime patrol fleet size from two to three aircraft.

I know what you mean and there are many important areas that need funding. Ireland really does need to be able to monitor its own air space however.

The Dept of Housing returned €1bn of their unspent budget last year. Purchasing 2 aircraft that will protect our waters and those who work on them for the next 30 years is small change by comparison. Take it up with the Dept of housing, who handed back unspent what Ireland spends on Defence annually.

@@michaelballinger6419 I seen that in the paper one day orite. Just incredible. What exactly do we need to protect our skies from exactly. Drugs?! Drugs won years ago. There's something seriously wrong with your moral outlook if you think this takes priority over welfare of irish people. Beating the drums of war is all were doing. There be no relative of anybody in Dail Eirean that will go to war, that is a certainty. Anybody into aviation know how much it cost?

No, we have a huge budget surplus. Not having any money isn't an issue, its the inability to spend it! Its not like if we didn't purchase these aircraft that more families would be magically housed. These new planes are replacing 30 year old aircraft and will be in service for decades.