Irish gov't's new €53m. jet can't land in fog, lacks Elbit-manufactured system needed- report

Ireland's government has acquired a new €53 million Dassault Falcon 6X jet, however, it is unable to land in fog due to a missing FalconEye system, according to a recent report. This advanced technology, a collaboration between Dassault Aviation and Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, enables aircraft to navigate in poor visibility conditions, including fog or limited visibility scenarios. The Journal, an Irish outlet, reported on this oversight.

Despite the absence of FalconEye, the Defense Department in Dublin maintains that the new aircraft has "no current limits" on its operational capability. The Dassault Falcon 6X is primarily used for transporting the Irish Taoiseach (prime minister) and other government ministers and officials for official state business. Upon delivery in December 2025, the jet can carry 14 passengers, replacing the previous government Lear Jet.

Operated by the Irish Air Corps, the aircraft also features flight systems co-developed with Elbit and Airbus, though the Journal noted that these systems are essential for the plane's functionality.

A former IAC pilot, Kevin Phipps, commented to The Journal that FalconEye's presence allows for safe landings in foggy weather that would otherwise necessitate diversions to other airports. However, this information came under scrutiny as Ireland's Prime Minister, Micheal Martin, had previously pledged in 2024 that Ireland would not purchase equipment featuring Israeli-made products, citing this as a foreign minister stance.

Notably, four helicopters used by the Irish Air Corps were delivered with flight systems co-developed by Elbit and Airbus, seemingly defying Martin's promise. Furthermore, a maritime patrol craft was also delivered with an Israeli-made radar, further complicating Ireland's stance on foreign technology acquisition.