Ireland Removes Israeli Tech From Prime Minister’s Jet, Hindering Fog Landings

Ireland purchased a new executive jet for 53 million euros to replace the previous government aircraft, but the plane cannot safely land in fog or adverse weather conditions. This limitation arises because Dublin insisted on removing Israeli-made technology from the jet, specifically the FalconEye system produced by Israeli defense company Elbit Systems. The FalconEye system, typically installed on the French Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft, assists pilots in navigating poor visibility and harsh weather by providing critical sensor data to the cockpit.

Ireland, known for its strong pro-Palestinian stance within the European Union, demanded the removal of Elbit’s technology due to accusations against the company of involvement in what the Irish government terms "genocide" in the Gaza Strip. This political position has led Ireland to attempt to lead efforts to suspend relations between Israel and the EU. A former pilot of the government fleet told the Irish Times that without the Israeli system, the jet’s ability to land in fog is compromised, forcing diversions to alternate airports.

Despite the Irish government’s statement that the jet’s operational capabilities are not limited, insiders suggest the absence of the FalconEye system restricts pilot options in difficult weather. Meanwhile, other Irish military aircraft, including four new Airbus helicopters and a maritime patrol plane, continue to use Israeli technology such as the Hellonix system, co-produced by Elbit and Airbus, which is considered critical and irreplaceable.

The controversy highlights the tension between Ireland’s political stance against Israel and practical military and aviation needs. The decision to exclude Israeli technology from the prime minister’s jet contrasts with the continued use of such technology in other Irish defense equipment, underscoring the complexity of the issue.