The man convicted of murdering two soldiers outside a military barracks in Northern Ireland must serve a minimum of 25 years in prison, a judge has ruled.
Republican Brian Shivers, 46, was last month found guilty of killing British sappers Patrick Azimkar, 21, and Mark Quinsey, 23, outside the Massereene army base.
The victims were ambushed by gunmen from the Real IRA at the gates of the barracks in Antrim on March 7, 2009, as they went to collect delivery pizzas.
Two other soldiers and two pizza delivery drivers were injured in the gun attack.
DNA on matchsticks found in the partially burnt-out Vauxhall Cavalier getaway
car, used in the ambush and abandoned eight miles away, linked Shivers to the murders.
Shivers from Magherafelt, Co Londonderry, suffers from cystic fibrosis and is expected to only live for another four or five years.
Mr Justice Anthony Hart said: "I am satisfied that appropriate arrangements are being put in place to provide the necessary medical care which Shivers will require in the future.
"Those involved in this very grave crime must receive appropriate punishment."
The judge described Shivers' role in the killings of the two soldiers as integral to the planned murders.
He added: "Whilst he played a lesser role than the gunmen and the driver of the attack car, by being at Ranaghan Road and setting fire to the car, he played a prominent and essential role in this carefully-planned and ruthlessly-executed crime.
"Those who carry out such heinous crimes would not be able to do so without the assistance of others who play a vital part in helping the main participants to escape afterwards and conceal or destroy evidence."
Statements from the families of the murdered soldiers were read out in court.
Sapper Mark Quinsey's mother Pamela said: "A mother thinks she will hold her child's hand for the rest of her life. Now my hand is empty and lost."
Murdered soldier Patrick Azimkar's mother Geraldine said: "We have all changed, all aged, our hearts and souls are no longer light but weighed down with sorrow and loss."
Shivers' co-accused, high-profile republican Colin Duffy, 44, from Lurgan, Co Armagh, was acquitted of all murder charges.
Detective Chief Inspector Justyn Galloway said the hunt for the remainder of the gang would continue.
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