The U.S. Air Force and the Irish Air Corps have created a new training partnership to enhance operational knowledge and flight safety.
This collaboration was formalised during a visit by U.S. Airmen from Twentieth Air Force and Air Force Global Strike Command to Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, Dublin, from 22-29 June 2024.
The new initiative builds on existing cooperation between the two forces, with a focus on shared training experiences. According to a press release, Colonel Philip Bryant, commander of the 582nd Helicopter Group, spoke of the significance of such partnerships, stating that they are “essential for advancing our capabilities and enhancing flight safety.”
As part of the partnership, two Irish AW-139 helicopter pilots attended the U.S. Air Force’s High Alpine Advanced Flying Technique (HAAFT) course at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, from 5-19 July 2024.
The press release details that this 53-hour, eight-day course is designed to train helicopter aircrews to operate under power-limited conditions and in challenging terrains at high altitudes.
Commandant Finbar Mc Ardle, Commander of the 301 Squadron, No 3 Operations Wing of the Irish Air Corps, discussed the benefits of this joint training, particularly as both nations now share a common helicopter platform in the MH-139. He remarked, “This new partnership allows us to share knowledge and procedures that we have learned and honed over the eighteen years we have been operating our AW139 fleet.” He also expressed appreciation for the opportunity to train on the iconic UH-1N Huey during the course.
The exchange provided valuable insights for pilots in both nations, especially as the U.S. Air Force prepared to transition to the MH-139 Grey Wolf. The Irish Air Corps’ extensive experience with the AW-139 is expected to play a crucial role in this transition, with their knowledge helping to save manhours and enhance flight safety.
The press release concludes that both air forces are keen to continue this partnership, with plans for further joint training. The next group of Irish Air Corps pilots is scheduled to attend the HAAFT course at Malmstrom Air Force Base in early 2025, marking the continuation of this collaborative effort.
I wonder if Ireland should field a squadron of fighters for air defence? Seems quite a capability gap considering the current climate
Baldonnel needs a facility upgrade to manage fighter jets and then comes the purchase of primary radar and then pilot and crew training and then purchase the jets.
Honestly, if there was any political will for it, all the fixed wing assets now and future should be kicked out to Shannon and leave the helicopters based out of Baldonnel. Even if there was a willingness to upgrade its facilities and buy fighter jets, the first QRA response at full throttle would have everyone in Dublin losing their minds and wanting the whole place shut down. And given the price differences salaries would go a lot further out the West than center Dublin.
Yep, just laying out the steps once there is political will.
Indeed.
Speaking of political will, did you see the journal article at lunchtime? Reportedly someone has figured out that the usual procurement process is shite, and there are active talks for government to government purchases for the primary radar among other buys. Course it still doesn’t commit to any year before 2028.
I did. Flabbergasted and slightly optimistic.
That’s the thing with all of the equipment that needs to be procured , it would take decades with all the ‘out to tender’ deals that the gov would have to entertain.
To go to Tender is when you have an existing established defence force looking for modernization or more capability like most western countries do. Ireland does not have the time for that.
It also works when you the department knowledge to run such tenders, and the DOD so very badly doesn’t. Guess it’s a wait and see…
If they are trying to get some big ticket stuff started before the GE, then I imagine it’s the radar system, maybe the two extra helicopters and if there’s a miracle the MRV, the MOWAGs have just finished their refits so their replacement will likely be pushed back.
Mobile artillery/mortars and more drone/counter drone too would be splendid.
The MRV also is a welcome item.
The Army could do with some more IFVs.
Also, restore the 4th Brigade. 🙂
It will be interesting to see if it happens and what kind of orders if it does? I mean I could see a scatter gun of buys from across European suppliers, or if someone was feeling “bold” go for something from a single supplier (pick one of the major countries and buy everything from them, like Leonardo’s submission to the Commission), can’t see it being American or British unless some very good terms are on offer. Guess we just have to wait and see if they meant sign offs this year, or not, course no matter what’s bought I’m sure… Read more »
Usual comments. Usual suspects.
I know that EU and North American defence firms have taken notice of Ireland’s quest for military improvement.
Hell, they’ve been trying to get us to buy for over a decade, but it will be interesting to see, historically we don’t buy capital investments outside of Europe, but if the Government has gone looking to 30 plus nations, that’s more than the EU. However unless there’s some very good deals from outside the EU, I still think the pressure will be on to buy from member states. God knows the dutch would be upset given how much energy they have spent trying to win the MRV.
The answer is yes they should…but the government will never spend the money.
I am not sure. Who are they defending themselves against given their geographical position? If they need to do this then wouldn’t they need more than a squadron?
There are plenty of things the DF needs the spending on long before the question of Fighter Jets comes into the equation, as laid out in the Defence Commission report.
President Biden so fond of Ireland , send a squadron of F15s 🤗
As what, lawn ornaments?
Well I’ve said before BAE Hawks or Hawk 200s would be a good fit for them ,but then there’s all the infrastructure Radar etc but still. 🤔
They weren’t even put forward as options buy their companies so no.
Feel like pointing out that I already mentioned this is one of the other recent articles on the DF?
IIRC repeatedly 😂👍
Glad to see The Republic adding to its impressive deterrence 😅
Surely this is one way street. The US airforce will already have more flying hours than the Republic on the type.
On the US version of the 139, yes as they are the only users, as military users of the base 139 no, as Ireland was one of the launch users (why the AC keeps doing that is a whole other question), and the US is only bringing it into service now. And it was the USAF that sought out the cooperation so they must figure there’s some value in it.
It is interesting that the US National Nuclear Security Administration ordered the AW-139 to detect radiation over the country instead of MH-139.
Costs? Pretty sure the MH-139 is more expensive.
Probably yes. This way they get around the Boeing cut.
USAF were delivered four in 2022 for test and evaluation increasing to six by Nov last year. Those six will have a lot of hours on them. Lots of pictures available of them on task to ICBM sites.
And Ireland has been flying our 139s for all helicopter operations on the island and to the U.K. for nearly 20 years now, I’m doubtful that the USAF 6 have already outflows the Irish 6 in only 2 years.
From what I can see of Irish helicopter operations their main role is VIP and air ambulance. Hardly in the scale of servicing ICBM silos in three separate states. The whole idea of test and evaluation is fairly simple. The clue is in the name. The first four airframes would have been flown wherever possible and whenever possible to replicate the expected life if the aircraft. So their hours would high. Much of the winter hours would be near Artic conditions. The fifth and sixth aircraft were not as heavily used in that fashion. Aircrew hours would not have been… Read more »
They don’t do VIP, they do troop training, transport, maritime support, security response, water bombing, air ambulance and transfers and basically anything needed. And how is 18 years not nearly 20 years? It’s a hell of a lot closer than just 2 years, and they are already at end of life and are due to start a replacement program.
And at the end of the day, as much as it annoy you, it was the USAF that sought this, not Ireland, so they must see value in it. Maybe they should have asked you I suppose.
Ah water bombing. That would explain the outfow.
Simple maths really. Irish maths must be different to what we use.
Don’t remember anyone complaining when we are sending them up North for firefighting there?
Pilots probably used different counting methods to yourself. Would not do much good if they dropped a Bambi bucket two miles short.
Irish AW 139 have been heavily used, much more than they were expecting.
Finding users with large flying hours is not that difficult, per wiki more than 1100
AW-139 were sold by January 2021. But military to military has a common language.
Given the other military users of the version, I’m still not entirely sure how the USAF ended up talking to the AC, I mean I know we’ve had a few training with the US Army, but this is the first cooperation with the USAF.
USAF have had four on test and evaluation since 2022. That increased to six by Nov last year. Pictures available on them going out to ICBM sites. I think those six will have some considerable hours on them.
Ok, thanks for the info.