New aircraft for Garda Air Support Unit
The 2023 budget for the Irish Department of Justice foresees in acquiring new aircraft for the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU). According to the information, the Garda Síochána (civil police) wants to replace the 25-year-old Britten-Norman BN-2T Islander and will acquire an additional helicopter.
The largest purchase will be a twin-engined, high wing, aircraft as a replacement for the Islander. To have a high wing aircraft is a key requirement for the GASU as they offer better visibility of activity on the ground. The GASU also seeks one additional twin-engine utility helicopter, increasing the fleet to three. The new helicopter will be equipped with integrated police mission equipment, including sophicated thermal imaging cameras.
The total value of these purchases are € 32 million, including maintenance and services. This budget will also include maintenance of the force’s existing two EC135 helicopters.
Founded in 1997, the Garda Air Support Unit (GASU) is the youngest unit within the Irish Forces. Although officially the Garda Síochána (civil police) is not an Irish Air Corps (IAC) unit, the aircraft are flown by Air Corps personnel. The aircraft operate from Baldonnel/Casement air base.
According to the Scramble Magazine database, the GASU operates the following aircraft:
Photo by Mark Rourke (Scramble Archive)