New Irish state jet said to struggle to land in fog, after rejecting Israeli system

A new Irish government jet may struggle to land in fog because it was ordered without Elbit's FalconEye system, after Ireland stopped awarding defense contracts to Israeli companies in 2024. The Journal reports procurement officials deemed a written agreement with Elbit a step too far. The Irish defense department says no current operational limits exist, but pilots say the lack of FalconEye limits fog landing options.

A new Irish government jet may face difficulties landing in bad weather because it was ordered without key navigation equipment from an Israeli firm, according to a report by The Journal. The 53 million euro Dassault Falcon 6X would normally include Elbit's FalconEye low-visibility system, which uses cameras and sensors to aid pilots in fog or darkness. In August 2024, Ireland said it would no longer award defense contracts to Israeli companies, citing an International Court of Justice advisory opinion on Israeli settlements. The report notes that while Ireland recently inducted helicopters and a maritime patrol aircraft with Israeli systems, in this case procurement officials determined that a written agreement with Elbit was a step too far. The Irish defense department has not confirmed or denied the absence of the system but stated there are no current limits on operational capability. However, pilots cited by The Journal say the lack of FalconEye limits landing options in foggy weather. The aircraft, delivered in December, is intended for transporting senior officials and as a long-distance air ambulance. Ireland has been a vocal critic of Israel's military campaign in Gaza and recognized a Palestinian state in 2024, leading to the closure of the Israeli embassy in Dublin.