Photograph: Department of DefenceThe Defence Forces has taken possession of a new “strategic reach” aircraft which will be capable of flying to the west coast of the United States without refuelling. Other roles will include evacuation of Irish citizens from emergency situations, repatriation of Defence Forces personnel and the transport of supplies to overseas military missions. Minister for Defence Helen McEntee said the new aircraft “is further evidence of the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhance the capabilities of our Defence Forces”. Last weekend, another new aircraft, a Canadian-made Viking 400, also arrived at the Air Corps headquarters in Baldonnell, west Dublin. It will serve as a Garda surveillance aircraft but will be operated by Air Corps pilots.

Source: The Irish Times December 16, 2025 19:00 UTC