Defense & Military
Ireland enhances maritime surveillance with Airbus C295 against illegal fishing
Ireland upgrades maritime patrols with Airbus C295 aircraft to protect its fisheries and combat illegal fishing across 132,000 sq nautical miles.
As an island nation, Ireland shoulders a significant maritime responsibility. The Irish Air Corps is tasked with monitoring a vast expanse of 132,000 square nautical miles of sea. This area is not just empty ocean; it represents a full 20% of the European Union’s total fisheries area, making it a critical zone for both the national economy and environmental stewardship. Patrolling this domain effectively is a monumental challenge, essential for safeguarding one of the nation’s most vital industries against a range of threats.
The stakes for this mission are incredibly high. Ireland’s seafood sector is valued at €850 million a year and supports over 15,673 jobs, primarily in coastal communities. This crucial industry faces a persistent and damaging threat from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. These illicit activities not only deplete valuable fish stocks but also disrupt marine ecosystems, making them more vulnerable to climate change and pollution. For Ireland, effective surveillance is not merely a policy checkbox; it is a direct defense of livelihoods and the preservation of a rich natural heritage.
To confront this challenge head-on, the Irish Air Corps has embraced a new era of maritime surveillance with the acquisition of two state-of-the-art Airbus C295 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA). These aircraft are far more than simple replacements for an aging fleet. They represent a fundamental leap in technological capability, bringing advanced sensors and unparalleled efficiency to the front lines of maritime protection and solidifying Ireland’s role as a guardian of its sovereign waters.
The introduction of the C295s marks a significant upgrade in Ireland’s defense and surveillance infrastructure. Replacing a fleet that served for decades, these new aircraft bring a suite of modern technologies that are reshaping how the Irish Air Corps conducts its critical missions over the North Atlantic.
For nearly 30 years, the Irish Air Corps depended on two CASA CN235-100 aircraft, which had been in service since 1994. While these platforms served the nation well, the evolving complexities of maritime security and the sheer scale of the patrol area demanded a more advanced solution. The answer came through a €230 million contract with Airbus Defence and Space, a strategic investment designed to enhance Ireland’s ability to protect its territorial waters.
The transition has been described by personnel as a “massive difference.” According to Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Ridge, Officer Commanding No. 1 Operations Wing, the new platform has fundamentally altered operational methods. “How we conduct our patrols at sea is very much changing and it’s very much enhanced by the new platform and the new capabilities that are on board,” he stated. This is not an incremental improvement but a complete overhaul of surveillance strategy, driven by the C295’s superior technology.
This modernization is also a direct response to a changing geopolitical climate. The need for nations to actively monitor and defend their sovereign territory has grown in importance. As Brigadier General Rory O’Connor, General Officer Commanding of the Irish Air Corps, explained, “The geopolitical situation has changed in recent years, so Ireland has to be out there to defend and protect its own territorial area.” The C295s provide the advanced tools necessary to meet this modern imperative.
At the core of the C295’s effectiveness is its Fully Integrated Mission System (FITS). This system acts as the aircraft’s central nervous system, seamlessly collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data from a wide array of powerful sensors. It empowers a small crew to manage a vast amount of information in real-time, transforming raw data into the actionable intelligence needed to identify and intercept illicit activities. The aircraft’s senses are exceptionally sharp. Its advanced radar has a detection range of 300km, providing operators with a commanding view of the sea that extends 160 to 200 nautical miles to the horizon. Once a vessel of interest is located, the C295’s high-resolution cameras can provide imagery with detail down to 30cm. Even in complete darkness, its electro-optical infrared camera can identify crucial details like a ship’s name, its flag state, and even the movement of personnel on deck.
“We always detect things that surprise us; we’re constantly finding new ways to use the mission system to gain more and more valuable information.” , Corporal Brian Geraghty, Sensor and Airborne Radar-Systems Operator (SARO), Irish Air Corps.
This constant flow of high-quality information allows the crew to build a comprehensive picture of maritime activity and make critical decisions with speed and confidence. The system’s adaptability is key to staying one step ahead of those attempting to operate outside the law.
While fisheries protection is a primary mission, the C295 is a true multi-role asset for the Irish state. Its capabilities extend well beyond spotting illegal trawlers, making it a versatile tool for national security and environmental protection. One of its most impactful secondary roles is pollution monitoring, a vital task for safeguarding Ireland’s pristine coastlines and marine life.
The aircraft comes equipped with a specialized Sea Pollution Detection System (SPDS), which employs an infrared laser to scan the ocean surface. This advanced system can determine the depth and likely composition of pollutants, sending the data directly to the Irish Coast Guard for a rapid and effective response. “It’s a very handy tool, and we’re already getting really good feedback from the Coast Guards how helpful it’s being,” said Commandant Dónal Curran, a C295 pilot. This capability adds another layer of protection for Ireland’s marine environment.
The C295’s versatility doesn’t end there. Its Light Detection And Ranging System (LIDAR) can detect objects up to 25 meters below the surface, a feature useful for monitoring critical underwater infrastructure. The aircraft also provides support to other state bodies, such as Ordnance Survey Ireland, proving its value as a shared national resource. This multi-mission approach ensures that the state maximizes the return on its significant investment.
The introduction of the C295s has delivered tangible results, enhancing the Irish Air Corps’ presence and effectiveness. The new aircraft are not just technologically superior; they are also more efficient, allowing for a greater and more impactful watch over Ireland’s maritime domain.
The most immediate and measurable impact of the C295’s deployment is a dramatic increase in presence. The efficiency and advanced capabilities of the new aircraft have enabled the Irish Air Corps to triple its maritime patrol hours, with projections showing a jump from 186 hours in 2023 to 552 hours in 2025. This expanded presence is a game-changer for maritime surveillance.
This increase is driven by a more than 60% reduction in mission time compared to the previous fleet. The C295 allows crews to cover more territory, investigate more targets, and respond to incidents faster than ever before. This means the Air Corps is not just flying more; it is operating with far greater effectiveness during every hour spent in the air. A stronger and more constant presence serves as a powerful deterrent. Vessels engaged in or contemplating illegal activities now face a much higher probability of being detected. This persistent watch over Ireland’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) sends an unambiguous message that the nation’s maritime laws will be enforced, helping to prevent infractions before they occur.
Every mission flown by the C295 is a direct investment in the protection of Ireland’s economy. The €850 million seafood sector, which underpins over 15,673 jobs, is directly threatened by the destructive impact of IUU fishing. By robustly enforcing the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, the Irish Air Corps helps ensure the long-term Sustainability of fish stocks for future generations.
The scale of this challenge cannot be understated. A 2025 report from a coalition of environmental groups noted that the implementation of EU law to prevent illegal fishing can be “inadequate” in some member states. While Ireland’s inspection rate for non-EU vessels is well above the required 5% threshold, the sheer size of its maritime domain makes comprehensive enforcement a constant struggle.
This is precisely where the C295’s efficiency becomes a strategic advantage. By enabling more frequent, targeted, and effective patrols, the aircraft helps close the gaps in a vast surveillance network. It ensures that Ireland can meet its obligations to the EU and, more importantly, protect its own sovereign resources from illegal exploitation.
The arrival of the Airbus C295 aircraft marks a pivotal moment for the Irish Air Corps and for Ireland’s national security. These platforms are far more than just new planes; they are a force multiplier, providing an unprecedented level of situational awareness over the nation’s vast maritime domain. By combining advanced sensor technology with enhanced operational efficiency, the C295s empower Ireland to protect its vital fishing industry, safeguard its marine environment, and enforce its laws with greater authority than ever before.
Looking ahead, the C295s are poised to become an indispensable national asset. As geopolitical currents continue to shift and the strategic importance of maritime resources grows, the ability to effectively monitor and protect sovereign territory will only become more critical. The investments in these “eyes in the skies” ensures that Ireland is not just reacting to threats but is proactively shaping a more secure and sustainable future for its coastal communities, its economy, and its place in the world.
Question: What aircraft did the Airbus C295 replace for the Irish Air Corps? Question: How large is the maritime area that Ireland is responsible for monitoring? Question: Besides fisheries protection, what other missions can the C295 perform?
Ireland’s New Eyes in the Sky: The C295’s Fight Against Illegal Fishing
A Technological Leap in Maritime Patrol
From the Old Guard to the New
Under the Hood: The C295’s Advanced Sensor Suite
More Than Just Fishing Patrols
The Impact on the Front Lines
Tripling the Watch
Protecting a Vital National Resource
A New Era of Maritime Security
FAQ
Answer: The C295s replaced two CASA CN235-100 maritime patrol aircraft, which had been in service since 1994.
Answer: The Irish Air Corps monitors 132,000 square nautical miles of sea, which accounts for 20% of the total EU fisheries area.
Answer: The C295 is a multi-role aircraft capable of pollution detection and monitoring, search and rescue operations, and surveillance of underwater infrastructure, among other tasks.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Embraer and Saab Unveil First Gripen E Fighter Produced in Brazil
Embraer and Saab unveiled the first Gripen E fighter jet assembled in Brazil, enhancing local defense manufacturing and fulfilling a 2014 contract.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
On March 25, 2026, Embraer, Saab, and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) marked a historic milestone in Latin American aerospace by unveiling the first Gripen E fighter jet manufactured on Brazilian soil. The rollout ceremony took place at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, officially introducing the first supersonic fighter aircraft ever produced in the country.
According to the official press release, the event drew high-profile attendees, including Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Swedish Ambassador Karin Wallensteen, and top executives from both Embraer and Saab. The presentation of the aircraft highlights a successful technology transfer program and elevates Brazil into a select group of nations capable of manufacturing advanced combat aircraft.
The newly unveiled Gripen E is the result of a deeply integrated Brazilian and international supply chain. Embraer’s Gavião Peixoto facility handles the final assembly, utilizing aerostructures manufactured at Saab’s plant in São Bernardo do Campo. According to Embraer, 14 additional aircraft will be built using this exact production model under the current FAB contract.
Before being handed over to the customer, the newly assembled fighter will undergo rigorous functional and production flight testing. Once cleared, it will join the First Defense Group (1st GDA) stationed at the Anápolis Air Force Base.
Company leadership emphasized the broader implications of the rollout. In the press release, Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the collaborative effort:
“…it symbolizes the strength of a partnership built on trust, long‑term vision, and true cooperation.”
The foundation for this manufacturing achievement was laid in 2014 when the Brazilian government signed a comprehensive contract with Saab. The agreement covers the development and production of 36 Gripen fighters, specifically 28 single-seat Gripen E models and eight two-seat Gripen F variants.
Deliveries from Sweden began in 2020, and the press release notes that at least 10 aircraft have already been handed over to the Brazilian Air Force. The Gripen fleet is already active; since February, the fighters have been executing Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) missions from the Anápolis Air Force Base to safeguard the airspace over Brazil’s federal district. Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab, noted the strategic importance of the local production capability, stating in the release:
“…developing, within Brazil, the capability to produce a high-tech supersonic fighter aircraft – fully capable of executing air superiority missions…”
We view the successful rollout of a domestically assembled Gripen E as a transformative moment for Embraer and the Brazilian defense sector. By proving it can assemble and integrate a sophisticated, network-centric supersonic fighter, Embraer significantly enhances its high-end military manufacturing portfolio. This capability not only fulfills Brazil’s immediate national security and airspace defense needs but also positions the Gavião Peixoto facility as a potential regional export and maintenance hub for South America. As neighboring countries evaluate their aging fighter fleets, we believe Brazil’s proven production line could offer Saab a strategic foothold for future Latin American sales.
Where was the first Brazilian-made Gripen E produced? How many Gripen fighters did Brazil order? How many more Gripens will be built in Brazil?
Production and Strategic Partnership
Details of the Gavião Peixoto Facility
Contract History and Operational Status
The 2014 Agreement
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The aircraft was assembled at Embraer’s industrial complex in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo State, using components including aerostructures from Saab’s facility in São Bernardo do Campo.
Under a 2014 contract, the Brazilian government ordered 36 Gripen fighters, comprising 28 single-seat Gripen E jets and 8 two-seat Gripen F jets.
According to the Embraer press release, 14 additional aircraft will be produced at the Gavião Peixoto facility under the current contract.
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Japan received three F-35B fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base, advancing its goal to deploy eight F-35Bs by fiscal year 2025 end.
In late March 2026, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) received three additional F-35B Lightning II stealth fighters at Nyutabaru Air Base in Miyazaki Prefecture. According to social media account @thef35 on X, the delivery highlights that procurement
“momentum continues” for the Japanese defense forces.
This latest arrival is a critical milestone. Based on defense research data, the delivery keeps Japan’s Ministry of Defense on track to meet its goal of deploying an initial batch of eight F-35Bs by the end of fiscal year 2025, which concludes on March 31, 2026. Japan received its first three F-35Bs on August 7, 2025, ferried by U.S. pilots, and officially activated the fleet for frontline service during a ceremony on February 7, 2026.
The integration of the Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft represents a historic shift in Japan’s defense posture. Defense reports indicate Japan plans to acquire 147 F-35s in total, 105 conventional F-35As and 42 F-35Bs, making it the largest operator of the fifth-generation fighter outside the United States.
While the F-35Bs are operated by the JASDF, defense analysts note their primary strategic value lies in their integration with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
To accommodate the STOVL aircraft, Japan has been modifying its two largest warships, the Izumo-class helicopter destroyers JS Izumo and JS Kaga. According to defense research, these modifications include reshaping the bows into a rectangular configuration and applying heat-resistant deck coatings capable of withstanding the F-35B’s powerful lift fan.
These upgrades were put to the test recently. In October 2024, a U.S. Navy and Marine Corps F-35B successfully conducted the first landing and takeoff trials on the modified JS Kaga off the coast of San Diego, California. This milestone effectively proved the vessel’s capability to operate as a light aircraft carrier, returning fixed-wing carrier aviation to the Japanese fleet for the first time since World War II.
Japan’s acquisition of the F-35B is widely viewed by defense researchers as a direct response to a tightening regional security environment, particularly the rapid military modernization and maritime maneuvers of China in the East and South China Seas. Nyutabaru Air Base is strategically located on Kyushu, Japan’s southernmost main island. Defense reports highlight that this positions the F-35B fleet in close proximity to the Nansei Islands chain, which stretches toward Taiwan and includes the Japanese-administered Senkaku Islands. The STOVL capability allows Japan to project air power from the sea and operate from shorter, austere runways on remote islands.
Under its post-WWII pacifist constitution, Japan has historically maintained a strictly defensive military posture. The deployment of carrier-capable stealth fighters represents a shift toward what defense analysts term “active deterrence.” To navigate political sensitivities regarding offensive capabilities, the Japanese government officially classifies the Izumo and Kaga as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Despite the strategic momentum, the domestic rollout of the F-35B fleet has faced logistical and political hurdles.
According to defense research data, Japan is constructing a dedicated runway and training facility on the uninhabited island of Mageshima, located roughly 160 kilometers south of Nyutabaru. This facility is intended for F-35B Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) and vertical landing drills.
However, the Mageshima project has been delayed until approximately 2029 or 2030. Consequently, routine vertical landing training must be conducted at Nyutabaru Airports in the interim. This temporary arrangement has triggered protests and concerns from local residents in Miyazaki Prefecture regarding severe aircraft noise pollution.
We view the successful delivery of these F-35Bs as more than just a national defense upgrade for Japan; it is a foundational step for allied interoperability in the Indo-Pacific. By operating the F-35B from modified destroyers, Japan ensures seamless integration with U.S. Navy and Marine Corps forces, as well as other allied operators like the United Kingdom and Italy. This opens the door for future cross-decking operations, where allied jets can land on Japanese ships and vice versa, creating a highly flexible, distributed maritime strike capability that complicates adversary planning in the region.
According to defense procurement data, Japan plans to acquire a total of 147 F-35 military-aircraft, consisting of 105 F-35A conventional takeoff variants and 42 F-35B STOVL variants.
The F-35B features Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from amphibious assault ships, light aircraft carriers, and short or austere runways. To align with its post-WWII pacifist constitution, which limits offensive military capabilities, Japan officially classifies the modified Izumo-class vessels as “multi-functional destroyers” rather than aircraft carriers.
Sources: @thef35, Defense Research Report
Japan Expands F-35B Fleet with Latest Delivery to Nyutabaru Air Base
Strategic Shift: The “Lightning Carriers”
Vessel Modifications and Sea Trials
Geopolitical Drivers and Regional Defense
Defending the Nansei Islands
Domestic Challenges and Infrastructure
Local Impact at Nyutabaru
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many F-35s is Japan buying?
What makes the F-35B different?
Why are Japan’s carrier-capable ships called destroyers?
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
GKN Aerospace Delivers First Upgraded RM12 Engine to Swedish Armed Forces
GKN Aerospace delivers the first upgraded RM12 engine under a £32 million programme enhancing Sweden’s Gripen C/D fighter fleet performance and endurance.
This article is based on an official press release from GKN Aerospace.
GKN Aerospace has officially delivered the first upgraded RM12 engine to the Swedish Armed Forces, marking a critical milestone in the RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme. The delivery is part of a broader initiative to modernize the propulsion systems of Sweden’s JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter fleet.
According to a company press release, the RM12EP programme is valued at approximately £32 million (SEK 400 million). The initiative focuses on increasing engine thrust, extending operational endurance, and improving overall efficiency to ensure the legacy fighter aircraft remain highly capable in modern operational environments.
The successful handover of the first enhanced engine underscores GKN Aerospace’s nearly century-long partnership with the Swedish Air Force. As the type certificate holder for the RM12 engine, the company continues to play a central role in maintaining Sweden’s aerial defense readiness.
The RM12EP upgrade introduces significant technical improvements to the existing powerplants. In its official statement, GKN Aerospace noted that the enhancements include the installation of improved turbine hardware alongside updated engine control software. These modifications are specifically designed to boost engine thrust and extend the operating time of the engines, while simultaneously reducing life cycle costs for the Swedish Armed Forces.
The RM12EP programme was originally launched in 2019. It represents a long-term strategic effort led by GKN Aerospace to ensure that the Gripen C/D remains a cost-efficient and highly capable platform, even as newer generations of fighter aircraft enter service.
All upgrade work for the RM12 engines is being conducted at GKN Aerospace’s specialized facility in Trollhättan, Sweden. The company maintains comprehensive responsibility for the development, manufacturing, system support, and maintenance of both the RM12 engine, which powers the Gripen C/D, and the newer RM16 engine, which is utilized in the advanced Gripen E/F models.
The delivery of the first upgraded unit was achieved through extensive cross-functional collaboration. GKN Aerospace highlighted that the milestone involved coordination across engineering, production, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics departments. Furthermore, the project relies on key partnerships with industry leaders GE and Saab. Additional upgraded engines are scheduled to be delivered continuously to the Swedish Armed Forces in accordance with the programme’s planned timeline. “This first upgraded engine delivery represents an important step forward in enhancing the performance and endurance of the Gripen system. As type certificate holder for the Gripen C/D engine and with a partnership with the Swedish Air Force that spans nearly a century, we are proud to continue supporting Sweden’s operational capability and future readiness.”
We note that the delivery of the first upgraded RM12 engine highlights a broader trend in global defense procurement: the necessity of extending the operational lifespan of proven legacy platforms. While the Swedish Air Force is actively transitioning to the next-generation Gripen E/F, maintaining a robust and capable fleet of Gripen C/D aircraft remains essential for national security and regional stability.
By investing £32 million into the RM12EP programme, Sweden is ensuring a cost-effective bridge between aircraft generations. The enhancements to thrust and endurance not only improve the tactical capabilities of the Gripen C/D but also optimize maintenance schedules and reduce long-term operational costs. This dual-track approach, upgrading existing assets while procuring new ones, allows the Swedish Armed Forces to maintain a high state of readiness without compromising on technological advancement.
Furthermore, keeping the upgrade work localized at the Trollhättan facility secures domestic aerospace expertise and supply chain resilience. As geopolitical tensions in Europe remain a focal point for defense ministries, the ability to independently maintain and upgrade critical defense infrastructure is a significant strategic advantage for Sweden.
The RM12 Enhanced Performance (RM12EP) programme is an upgrade initiative led by GKN Aerospace for the Swedish Armed Forces. Launched in 2019, it aims to improve the thrust, endurance, and efficiency of the RM12 engines powering the JAS 39 Gripen C/D fighter aircraft.
According to GKN Aerospace, the programme is valued at approximately £32 million, which equates to SEK 400 million.
All development, manufacturing, and maintenance work for the RM12 engine upgrades is carried out at GKN Aerospace’s facility in Trollhättan, Sweden.
The RM12EP programme involves strong collaboration between GKN Aerospace and key industry partners, including GE and Saab.
The RM12EP Upgrade Programme
Technical Enhancements
Production and Partnerships
Strategic Implications for the Swedish Air Force
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RM12EP programme?
How much is the RM12EP programme worth?
Where is the upgrade work being performed?
Who are the key partners in this programme?
Sources
Photo Credit: GKN Aerospace
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