해상초계기 아일랜드, C295 MSA 해상초계기 1번기 인수

[위종민]

아일랜드가 에어버스에 주문한 2대의 C295 MSA (  Maritime Surveillance Aircraft ) 중 1번기를 인수받았습니다. 

기존에 운영중인 CASA CN235-100 해상초계기 2대를 대체하며 계약 규모는 관련 훈련 및 지상장비, 예비부품을 포함해 2억 3천만 유로입니다. 2번기는 올해 말 인도될 예정입니다. 

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/06/ireland-receives-first-airbus-c295-maritime-surveillance-aircraft/

Irelands's first C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft. Irish Air Corps photo.

Ireland Receives First Airbus C295 Maritime Surveillance AircraftIreland has received the first of two C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA) from Airbus. The aircraft will be flown by the Irish Air Corps.

Naval News Staff  27 Jun 2023

Irish DoD press release

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin welcomes the arrival of the first of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin visited Casement Aerodrome this afternoon to welcome the arrival of the first of two Airbus C295 Maritime Patrol Aircraft.

The Tánaiste was accompanied by the Department of Defence Secretary General, Jacqui McCrum and Chief of Staff, Seán Clancy, and was met by General Officer Commanding the Air Corps, Brigadier General Rory O’Connor as well as members of the team involved in delivering the project and representatives from Airbus Defence and Space.

The contract for the supply of two Maritime Patrol aircraft was awarded to Airbus Defence and Space in December 2019 following an open tender competition.

These new aircraft, which replace the two existing CASA CN235-100 Maritime Patrol Aircraft purchased for the Air Corps in 1994, are primarily equipped for maritime surveillance, particularly fisheries protection, but will also provide the Air Corps with the capability to deliver a range of services including logistics support and transport of troops and equipment, medical evacuation and air ambulances, search and rescue and a general utility role.

The aircraft were manufactured in Seville, Spain and the total cost of the contract for both Maritime Patrol Aircraft and associated training, ground equipment and spare parts is €230 million, inclusive of VAT. The second Maritime Patrol Aircraft will be delivered later this year.

Addressing those gathered at the event, the Tánaiste said:

“The arrival of this aircraft is an important moment for the Air Corps and a commitment delivered from the White Paper on Defence.

The replacement of the two CASA CN235’s with two larger, more capable aircraft will enhance maritime surveillance and provide a greater degree of utility for transport and cargo carrying tasks.

“At €230 million for both aircraft and the associated training, spare parts and ground equipment, this is the largest equipment acquisition project undertaken for the Defence Forces. This significant investment is an indication of the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that our Defence Forces retain a range of flexible conventional military capabilities to fulfil their roles and duties.”

Also speaking at the event Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said:

“The C295 is designed to operate in various conditions and terrains, the C295’s robust construction and versatility make it an ideal asset for a wide range of operational scenarios. Whether it be maritime surveillance, support to the Defence Forces at home or overseas, or support during humanitarian crises, the C295 will enable us to fulfil our commitments effectively and with precision as the State’s primary aviation provider.”

General Officer Commanding the Air Corps Brigadier General Rory O’Connor said:

“The procurement of the C295 aircraft is a testament to the Air Corps’ dedication to maintaining a modern and capable fleet. This acquisition reinforces our commitment to excellence, ensuring that our personnel have access to the most advanced tools and resources available. The C295 will undoubtedly elevate our operational readiness and enable us to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving security landscape.”

In his concluding remarks, the Tánaiste went on to commend the Department of Defence and Air Corps project team and their counterparts in Airbus Defence and Space for their hard work and professionalism in reaching this significant milestone.

-Ends-

Naval News comments:

The Irish DoD calls the aircraft a Maritime Patrol Aircraft but it really is an MSA. The new aircraft are primarily equipped for maritime surveillance, particularly fisheries protection, but will also provide the Air Corps with the capability to deliver a range of services, including:

• Logistics support
• Transport of troops & equipment
• Medical evacuation (MedEvac) & air ambulances
• Search & rescue
• General utility role

아래는 에어버스 유튜브에 공개된 기체의 Walkaround 영상입니다. 

[백선호]

방공 레이다 없고 air policing에는 프로펠러 훈련기 PC-9M에 기관총 pod 달고 쓰는 아일랜드가 초계기도 역시 싸구려(?)로 사네요.

[위종민]

이미 CN235도 운용하고 있었으니 무인기 뽑는 것보다 저게 더 쌌을 것 같기도.. 그래도 영국이랑 다투기도 해서 해상초계 수요도 있는지 뉴질랜드가 굴리던 초계함도 사 갔더라구요. ( https://www.naval-technology.com/news/new-zealand-defence-force-babcock-decomissioned-vessels-sold-irealnd/ )

[Black Knights (윤재산)]