A new multi-use aircraft, which is also equipped for maritime surveillance, has been delivered to the Defence Forces at Casement Aerodrome..
This is the third Airbus C-295 acquired for the Irish Air Corps over the last two years.
Ireland has invested around €300 million in three C-295 aircraft and associated costs.
Tánaiste Simon Harris said that it the largest equipment acquisition project ever undertaken for the Defence Forces.
"The procurement of the C-295 aircraft and the Dassault Falcon 6X strategic reach aircraft, of which we will take delivery later this year, represents a significant enhancement of the State's transport, airlift and medical capabilities, and is further evidence of the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhance the capabilities of our Defence Forces" he said.
It comes as the Department of Defence received approximately 300 submissions in response to the recent public consultation in relation to the development of the country’s first National Maritime Security Strategy.
The strategy is set to inform the approach to maritime security over the next five years, with a particular focus on dealing with emerging threats and protecting subsea infrastructure.
The aim is to have the National Maritime Security Strategy published by the end of the year.
Read More: Data flags hundreds of Russian 'shadow fleet' visits to Irish EEZ
Ireland’s maritime footprint is seven times the country's land area and it is home to the majority of transatlantic data communications.
One of the biggest worries is the safeguarding of these undersea cables, which keeps everything from banking systems to TikTok operating.
Concerns have also been flagged about the operation of the so-called 'shadow fleet' vessels passing through Irish waters.
The Air Corps' maritime security units monitors the behaviour of these vessels in Irish EEZ waters as part of its routine operations.
Most of the vessels, many of which analysts say are poorly maintained and lack proper insurance, are Russian-affiliated and used to help Russia export oil and circumvent oil price caps imposed as part of western sanctions.
Experts have warned that their continued movement through Irish waters poses a serious environmental risk and undermines international efforts to isolate Russia's energy sector which is used to fund the country's war in Ukraine.
