Ireland’s New Government Jet Lacks Israeli Navigation System, Raising Safety Concerns

Ireland’s new government Dassault Falcon 6X jet, delivered last year at a cost of 53 million euros, may face difficulties landing in foggy or poor weather conditions due to the absence of an advanced Israeli-made navigation system. The Falcon 6X replaced the government’s previous Learjet, which had significant technical issues and limited flight range. This versatile aircraft, operated by the Irish Air Corps and capable of carrying 14 passengers, serves mainly to transport ministers and the prime minister, and can also be converted into an air ambulance for long distances.

The missing component is the FalconEye system, typically installed on the aircraft’s nose, which uses infrared and other spectrum cameras to provide pilots with enhanced vision during low visibility landings. Dassault Aviation describes FalconEye as a critical tool that delivers vital flight information to pilots in all weather and lighting conditions. Kevin Phipps, a former Irish Air Corps pilot, highlighted that such systems allow safe landings in fog when other planes must divert.

Sources told the Irish Journal that FalconEye was excluded because it is manufactured by the Israeli company Elbit Systems. In August 2024, then-Defense and Foreign Minister Michael Martin stated that Ireland would not purchase equipment containing Israeli-made products, reflecting political decisions affecting procurement. This choice potentially compromises the operational safety and versatility of the new government aircraft in adverse weather.

The Irish government has yet to comment on whether alternative systems will be installed or how it plans to address the safety concerns raised by the absence of this navigation aid.