Minister insists government jet is ‘fully operational’ following reports

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, Press Association

The Government’s new jet “can conduct its full range of missions”, a minister has insisted after reports that the removal of a navigational tool could cause difficulties when landing in fog.

The Dassault Falcon 6X became operational in March 2026 and replaced the Learjet 45, which had been in use for more than 20 years.

The aircraft has a range of more than 5,000 nautical miles, meaning it can reach the US west coast without the need to refuel.

Costs for the aircraft are not yet available, government ministers have said.

The Journal reported at the weekend that the jet was ordered without a navigational system called the FalconEye, which is made by the Israeli company Elbit, which may cause issues landing in bad weather.

Asked at a press conference on Wednesday about the reports, Public Expenditure Minister Jack Chambers said he had received assurances from the Department of Defence that morning.

He added: “I read the news reports, and they’ve informed me that there’s no limitations on the aircraft’s operational capability, and it can conduct its full range of missions, and that’s what they’ve stated in the context of the aircraft that’s been procured – full operational capability is there is their clear position on that.”

In a statement to the Press Association, the Department of Defence said: “Further to recent media reports concerning the absence of an optional enhanced vision system on the Air Corp’s Dassault Falcon 6X, the Department of Defence can confirm that there are no limitations on the aircraft’s operational capability and it remains capable of carrying out its full range of intended missions.

“The Dassault Falcon 6X is a next-generation strategic reach aircraft that significantly enhances the State’s transport, airlift and medical evacuation capabilities.

“With a range of more than 5,000 nautical miles, it is capable of flying non-stop to the west coast of the United States and can carry up to 14 passengers (compared to the seven passengers that its predecessor carried).

“The aircraft provides the State with an independent, flexible and resilient air transport capability that is increasingly important in supporting Ireland’s national and international responsibilities.

“It will also undertake a wide range of missions, including the evacuation of Irish citizens, air ambulance transfers, the medical evacuation or repatriation of Defence Forces personnel serving overseas, and logistical support for overseas deployments.

“For operational reasons, we have no further comment to make on the aircraft’s specifications.”