Irish Air Corps

Key facts

Official Name Irish Air Corps
Local Name ร“glaigh na hร‰ireann Aerchรณr
Country๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ช Ireland
World rank#113
Active aircrafts24 as of 2025
Aircrafts on order0
Roundel

Roundel of Ireland air force

Overview

The Ireland Air Force, officially known as the Irish Air Corps, is the aerial branch of the Defense Forces of Ireland. It was established on October 1, 1924, making it one of the oldest air forces in the world. Initially, the primary role of the Air Corps was to provide air support to the Irish Army. Over the years, the Irish Air Corps has evolved and expanded its capabilities in various areas, including air defense, aerial reconnaissance, maritime patrol, transport, and air ambulance services. Its aircraft inventory consists of a range of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, including Pilatus PC-9M trainers, Cessna FR172H Reims Rockets, CASA CN-235 patrol aircraft, AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters, and Eurocopter EC135 helicopters. The Ireland Air Force has played a significant role in various peacekeeping missions, both within and outside the United Nations framework. It actively cooperates with other international aviation organizations and participates in joint exercises with allied air forces.

Origin countries of aircrafts

Country Active Aircraft
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ญ Switzerland 12
๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ง United Kingdom 6
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡น Italy 6
๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ Spain 3
๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ Indonesia 3
๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท France 2
๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Canada 1

Evolution of Irish Air Force fleet

Aircrafts by type in 2025

Aircraft type Active
Transport Transport 8
Training Training 8
Helicopter Helicopter 8

Full inventory in 2025

Various public data, including Wikipedia, Flightglobal.com, SIPRI Arms Transfer and official government websites.