Irish Air Corps

09/05/2026

Congratulations to our Irish Air Corps members who today represented the Defence Forces at the Frontline BJJ Championship in Aldershot, UK, hosted by British Army Jiu-Jitsu. 🇮🇪🥋

Competing alongside frontline services and veterans from across the UK and Ireland, our personnel delivered outstanding performances across both Gi and No-Gi divisions.

🏅 Cpl Jamie Martin – Middleweight
🥉 Gi Bronze
🥉 No-Gi Bronze

🏅 Cpl Jordan Nesbitt – Lightweight
🥉 Gi Bronze
🥈 No-Gi Silver

🏅 FQ Josh Coughlan – Light Heavyweight
🥈 Gi Silver
🥉 No-Gi Bronze

The team was also joined and supported by friends from Dublin Fire Brigade, who took part in the competition throughout the weekend.

Well done to all competitors for representing their organisations with professionalism, determination, and sportsmanship both on and off the mats.

08/05/2026

Congratulations to the latest 8 members of the Irish Air Corps who officially passed out today in Custume Barracks, Athlone.

A proud milestone marking the beginning of their careers in military aviation and service to the State. Wishing them every success as they take the next step in their journey. 🇮🇪✈️

06/05/2026

IRL286 has returned from Beirut after transporting members of the 128th Infantry Battalion advance party and mission sustainment supplies to UNIFIL and returned home with members of the 127th Infantry Battalion. 

Supporting our Defence Forces personnel serving overseas remains a core mission for the Irish Air Corps.

01/05/2026

01/05/2026

30/04/2026

The Military Aircraft Maintenance Technician Competition is now open. 🛠️✈️

If you've ever wanted to work on military aircraft, this is your opportunity. The Irish Air Corps is recruiting Trainee Military Aircraft Systems Technicians and no prior experience is required. Just drive, ambition, and a passion for aviation.

Here's what you get:
🎓 Graduate with a BEngTech (Level 7) from TU Dublin
📋 Complete internationally recognised EASA qualifications
✈️ Hands-on training with military aircraft
💰 Competitive salary
🏠 Free accommodation during training
🏥 Comprehensive medical care
🚀 A clear pathway to a long-term aviation career

You'll train to the highest international standards, work alongside experienced professionals, and play a vital role in keeping Ireland's military aircraft fleet mission-ready.

Whether you're a school leaver, a career changer, or simply someone who's always been drawn to aviation, we want to hear from you.

To learn more or apply, visit military.ie.

17/04/2026

A proud and significant milestone in Casement Aerodrome as the 41st and 42nd Wings Course Classes were awarded their Military Pilots' Wings.

Marking the culmination of an intensive training journey, these newly qualified pilots completed a demanding programme of military, academic, and flying instruction. From their early days in the Cadet School in the Curragh Camp, through extensive ground school and into advanced flying training, each stage tested their skill, discipline, and resilience.

Throughout the course, students completed over 800 hours of ground school and 13 examinations, before progressing to flying training on the Pilatus PC-9M. In total, they amassed more than 1,300 cumulative flying hours, conducting 128 sorties and developing key competencies including aerobatics, formation flying, navigation, instrument flying, night flying, and tactical flying. A number of students also undertook elements of their training with CAE Dothan in Alabama.

The awarding of Wings signifies their transition to operational military pilots and the beginning of the next phase of their careers within the Air Corps.

In attendance on the day were Secretary General of the Department of Defence Jacqui McCrum, Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) Major General John Whittaker, and General Officer Commanding the Air Corps Brigadier General Rory O'Connor.

A special congratulations to 2/Lt Fionn McGregor, who was awarded Best Overall Student.

👏 Congratulations to all on earning their Military Pilots Wings!

17/04/2026

A proud day for the Irish Air Corps as the 10th & 11th Recruit Platoons passed out from the Joint Induction Training Centre.

Among those on parade were 9 Air Corps recruits, who successfully completed their initial training alongside their Army and Naval Service colleagues. After weeks of dedication, discipline, and teamwork, these recruits have reached a significant milestone as they begin the next phase of their Air Corps careers.

A special congratulations to those who received awards on the day. Recruit Mac Lochlainn, 11 Pln, was awarded Best Recruit, a testament to exceptional performance throughout training. Recruit Holmes, 10 Pln, received the Esprit de Corps award, while Recruit Reddan, 11 Pln, earned the same honour, both recognised for their teamwork, leadership, and strong sense of camaraderie.

👏 Congratulations to all involved, and a very warm welcome to our newest members!

16/04/2026

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Corporal (Retd) Michael Brady DSM.

On 8th March 1970, Cpl Brady was a member of an Alouette III helicopter crew tasked with the rescue of an injured man from the cliff face at Glendalough, Co. Wicklow. In very adverse weather conditions, and with the helicopter's rotor blades maintained just four feet from the rock face, Cpl Brady descended from the aircraft and succeeded in securing the rescue strap on the survivor - a feat demanding extraordinary courage and composure.

For his actions that day, Cpl Brady was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal with Distinction, alongside his fellow crew members Comdt Brian McMahon and Sgt Thomas Dunne.

Cpl Brady's actions that day stand as a lasting example of the standard set by the crews of No. 3 Operations Wing. 

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

08/04/2026

An AW139 crew from No. 3 Operations Wing conducted a neonatal transfer flight today in conjunction with the National Neonatal Transport Programme (NNTP), transporting a six-week-old infant from Casement Aerodrome to University Hospital Kerry in Tralee, County Kerry.

Missions like this are a reminder of the critical role the Air Corps plays in the national emergency services framework, providing rapid, specialist aeromedical support when the need arises.

02/04/2026

Today marks a proud milestone for the Irish Air Corps as we celebrate the Passing Out of the 4th Air Progression Course. 🇮🇪✈️

After months of dedicated training, this cohort has demonstrated the commitment, discipline, and resolve that define service in the Air Corps. They now step forward to take up roles across our organisation.

Congratulations to all who passed out today!