Air Corps '50% short' of technicians; forced to spend €2.3m on external contractors in 2025

The Oireachtas defence committee has heard about the 'depth of frustration, anger and disillusionment among these highly skilled and experienced technicians and inspectors'. Picture: Defence Forces/PA

The Defence Forces has less than half the number of skilled Air Corps technicians that it should have, the Oireachtas defence committee has heard.

The association representing rank-and-file personnel said more than €2.3m was spent last year in hiring external contractors — mainly from abroad — to carry out crucial maintenance and inspections.