233. Deputy Ken O'Flynn asked the Minister for Defence the total cost to the State of the four Pilatus PC-12 aircraft; the list purchase price; a breakdown of the additional expenditure on upgrades, specialist equipment and spares that brought the total cost to the reported figure of almost €50 million; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [60462/26]

My priority as Minister for Defence is to ensure that the operational capability of the Air Corps, Army, and Naval Service is maintained and developed.

A contract was placed with Pilatus Aircraft Ltd in December 2017 for the provision of three Pilatus PC-12 NG Spectre Aircraft. This followed an open tender competition. The cost of these aircraft was determined by the specification of requirements for each aircraft initially outlined during the procurement process. The aircraft are equipped for Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) taskings, logistics support including transport of Defence Forces troops and equipment, and medical evacuation/air ambulance taskings.

In March 2020, an additional Pilatus PC-12 NG aircraft was acquired. This aircraft was procured to provide the Air Corps with immediate additional fixed wing capacity to meet the unique situation arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This aircraft is equipped to carry out transport, logistics and MEDEVAC roles.

Other Equipment USD1.4m ex VAT.

Capital investment in aircraft continues with the placing of the following contracts in recent years:

• Two new Airbus C-295 in Maritime Patrol Aircraft delivered in 2023.

• One new Airbus C-295 in a Military Transport configuration. This aircraft was delivered in October 2025.

• One new Dassault Falcon 6X Strategic Reach Aircraft. This aircraft was delivered in December 2025.

• Four Airbus H145M Light Utility Multi-Role Helicopters. These aircraft are in production with phased delivery planned in 2027 and 2028.

Capital funding of €1.7 billion has been allocated to Defence under the National Development Plan for the period 2026-2030. The funding represents an increase of €600 million or 55% on the previous baseline figure of €1.1 billion.

Future Air Corps projects identified within these planning processes include:

• The procurement of a fleet of super-medium helicopters to replace the current fleet of AW-139 medium helicopters;

• The replacement of the Pilatus PC-9M fleet of fixed-wing training aircraft.

Both of these projects are underway and are in the assessment phase in accordance with the requirements of the Infrastructure Guidelines.

I am satisfied that the ongoing programme of prioritised sustained investment in upgrading and enhancing Air Corps capabilities will ensure that the Defence Forces continue to be suitably equipped to fulfil all roles assigned by Government.