Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea today viewed two Italian-made helicopters, worth €25 million, which were delivered to the Defence Forces.
The twin-engine Agusta/Westland AW139 aircraft can fit up to 15 troops and also fly at night.
The cockpits feature fully-integrated digital avionics including autopilot, GPS and radio navigation system.
The helicopters, which weigh 6,400 kgs, will be used in Army exercises and operations as well as for Garda support, as an air ambulance and in disaster relief situations.
They can travel at up to 185 mph and stay in the air for three-and-a-half hours at a time.
Two General Purpose Machine Guns (GMPGs) and Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) are also fitted.
Another two Augusta helicopters are due to be delivered in early 2007 with an option of two more.
The helicopters cost about €12.5 million each. The aircraft, which are the most popular twin-engine helicopters in the world, will be based at Air Corps Headquarters in Baldonnel Aerodrome.
Air Corps pilots have already been trained in their use.
Mr O'Dea today viewed the helicopters with the Secretary General of his department, Michael Howard and Brigadier General Ralph James of the Air Corps.
PA