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.