The Irish Air Corps (Irish: An tAerchór) is the air arm of the Irish Defence Forces. Its primary mission is to provide military support to the Irish Army and Naval Service, and to carry out a range of roles in support of the State. It operates from Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, County Dublin, which is its main base.
The Air Corps' roles are broadly divided into two categories: military support and aid to the civil power. Military support includes air transport, close air support, air ambulance services, and reconnaissance for land and naval operations. Aid to the civil power encompasses a wide variety of tasks, such as search and rescue (SAR) coordination, maritime patrol, fisheries protection, VIP transport for government officials, air ambulance support for the Health Service Executive, and assistance to other state agencies like the Garda Síochána (national police).
Established in 1922, the Irish Air Corps has a history rooted in the foundation of the Irish Free State. Over the decades, it has evolved from a small force primarily focused on training and observation to a modern, multi-role air arm. It operates a diverse fleet of aircraft, including helicopters for transport, utility, and SAR, as well as fixed-wing aircraft for transport, maritime patrol, training, and surveillance. All personnel serving in the Irish Air Corps are members of the permanent Defence Forces.