A new jet purchased by the Republic’s government and used to transport the Taoiseach could face difficulties landing in fog as it was ordered without an Israeli-made navigational system.
The Dassault Falcon 6X , used for a range of operations but primarily to transport the Taoiseach and government ministers, is operated by the Irish Air Corps from Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnell.
Thejournal.ie has reported how the €53m aircraft was purchased from a French firm without a FalconEye system, which normally sits on the plane’s nose and helps it land in fog or other weather conditions that limit visibility.
This is because the system is made by Israeli manufacturer Elbit, The Journal’s sources said.
The plane, made by Dassault Aviation SA and which can carry 14 passengers, was delivered at the end of last year and replaced the government’s Lear Jet.
Micheál Martin said in 2024, when foreign minister, that the Republic would not be purchasing kit that features Israeli-made products.
However, it was reported by The Journal that four new Irish Air Corps helicopters did come with flight systems manufactured by Airbus and Elbit – as the craft cannot be built without them.
Read more: Brian Feeney: What exactly is all of Ireland’s shiny new military equipment for?
A new maritime patrol craft came with an Israeli-made radar.
A former Irish Air Corps pilot, Kevin Phipps, said the missing system provides “the ability to land in fog when other aircraft would have to divert to another airport”.
However, Dublin’s Department of Defence has said the new aircraft has “no current limits” on its operational capability.