The Irish Air Corps has temporarily grounded its fleet of four PC-12 transport aircraft after missing scheduled maintenance deadlines. The decision comes as the state-owned aviation unit faces increasing scrutiny over operational readiness and safety protocols. The four single-engine planes, manufactured by Pilatus in Switzerland, were purchased by the Irish government in 2020 at a cost of nearly €50 million.
The grounding follows an internal review that identified critical maintenance tasks not completed on time. Officials have not yet announced a timeline for resuming operations. The move highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining military aviation assets, particularly in the wake of budget constraints and resource allocation issues.
The PC-12 fleet is used for a range of missions including search and rescue, disaster response, and transport. With the aircraft currently out of service, the Air Corps may need to rely on alternative assets or seek temporary support from other NATO countries. The situation underscores the importance of regular maintenance in ensuring operational effectiveness.
