Ireland’s new €53 million Dassault Falcon 6X government aircraft was delivered without a specialist landing assistance system that enables pilots to operate safely in fog and other low-visibility conditions.
Did an administrative error lead to the critical equipment, known as FalconEye, being omitted? It appears that the system was excluded because it is manufactured by Israeli defence company Elbit Systems. It appears that the Irish government has a problem with the Jewish State.
The decision is in line with a 2024 Irish government policy of avoiding the purchase of defence equipment containing Israeli-made components, introduced in response to the war in Gaza and domestic political pressure to reduce trade with Israel. Procurement officials reportedly concluded that signing a direct agreement with Elbit would conflict with that policy, irrespective of the limitations this would impose on the official jet.
The aircraft, which entered service shortly before Christmas, replaced the government’s ageing Learjet and is used primarily to transport ministers and the taoiseach, as well as for long-range air ambulance missions.
Aviation experts told The Journal that the absence of the system reduces the operational options available to flight crews, although Ireland’s Department of Defence said the aircraft currently faces no operational limitations.
The enhanced vision system in question is mounted in the aircraft’s nose. Using infrared cameras and sensors, it provides pilots with improved situational awareness during poor weather and allows landings in conditions that might otherwise require diversion to an alternative airport.
Other Irish military aviation projects continue to use Israeli technology, including new Airbus helicopters equipped with the Helionix flight system and CASA 295 maritime patrol aircraft fitted with Israeli-made radar.
Friends of Israel took to social media to express their bemusement and amusement. On X, formerly Twitter, Deputy Editor of Jewish News Daniel Sugarman wrote
It’s ok, lads, I’m sure you can land a plane in a storm navigating via your much-vaunted superior moral compass.
Also on X, former State of Israel government spokesman Eylon Levy noted
This sounds like a typical “Irish” joke, but it’s true:
The Irish Government bought a new €53m jet.
And insisted on removing an Israeli-made navigational system.
Now it can’t land in the fog 🤣🤣🤣
