Ireland removed Israeli tech from its €53 million government jet, now pilots face fog limits

Ireland's new €53 million government jet, the Dassault Falcon 6X, was delivered without an advanced Israeli-made vision system designed to assist pilots in landing during fog and other hazardous weather conditions. This omission reportedly resulted from the need for a procurement agreement with Israeli defense company Elbit Systems.

The Falcon 6X, primarily used to transport Ireland's Taoiseach and government ministers, is equipped to carry up to 14 passengers and is also intended for long-range medical evacuations. The aircraft, which replaced the government's aging Learjet, can operate from Casement Aerodrome near Dublin. The missing system, known as FalconEye, combines infrared cameras, sensors, and synthetic terrain imagery to help pilots maintain a clear view of their surroundings in low-visibility conditions.

Aviation experts suggest that the absence of FalconEye may limit pilots' options during severe weather, potentially forcing them to divert to other airports when dense fog or other visibility-reducing conditions arise. Despite Department of Defence claims that the aircraft remains fully operational with no current operational limitations, Irish news outlet The Journal reports that pilots may face more limitations in such situations.

This decision aligns with Ireland's growing political tensions with Israel and the country's efforts to restrict purchases from Israeli defense companies, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.