Ireland removed Israeli tech from its €53 million government jet, now pilots face fog

Key Points:

• Ireland’s new €53 million Dassault Falcon 6X government jet was delivered without the advanced Israeli-made FalconEye vision system, which aids pilots in landing during fog and low-visibility conditions, due to procurement complications with Elbit Systems.
• The FalconEye system enhances situational awareness by combining infrared cameras, sensors, and synthetic terrain imagery, allowing safer landings in adverse weather, but was excluded to avoid a direct agreement with the Israeli defense company amid political sensitivities.
• Despite the absence of FalconEye, Ireland’s Department of Defence stated the jet’s operational capability is not currently limited, although experts note the lack of the system reduces pilot options in poor weather.
• The decision reflects Ireland’s increasingly critical stance toward Israel, with government officials previously committing to avoid purchasing Israeli-made defense equipment, amid domestic pressure related to the Gaza conflict.
• Other Irish military aircraft contain Israeli technology deemed integral and inseparable, such as avionics in Airbus helicopters and radar in maritime patrol planes, distinguishing these from the optional FalconEye system excluded from the government jet.