Air Corps orders €26m helicopters

TWO Italian-made helicopters worth €26 million have been ordered as part of a major overhaul of the Defence Forces, it was confirmed today.

After signing the contract for the two additional Agusta/Westland AW139 aircraft for the Air Corps, defence minister Willie O’Dea said this brought to eight the number of new helicopters acquired.

The twin-engine Agusta/Westland AW139 aircraft can fit up to 15 troops and also fly at night. The cockpits feature fully-integrated digital avionics including autopilot, GPS and radio navigation system.

The helicopters, will be used in Army exercises and operations as well as for garda support, as an air ambulance and in disaster relief situations.