The jet used by Irish leader Taoiseach Micheál Martin faces operational limitations, including an alleged inability to land in fog, due to the removal of its navigation system because it was manufactured in Israel. The Dassault Falcon 6X, valued at €53 million (£45 million), is equipped with a FalconEye system designed to assist landings in adverse weather conditions.
However, the system is produced by Elbit Systems, an Israeli firm. Ireland's government implemented a policy in 2024 to blacklist defense equipment from Israel, leading to the system's exclusion from the jet. According to The Journal, fitting the equipment would have required a written agreement with Elbit, a step deemed unacceptable by Irish procurement officials.
An unnamed former Irish Air Corps pilot, Kevin Phipps, stated that the FalconEye system provides "the ability to land in fog when other aircraft would have to divert to another airport." The Irish Department of Defence, however, maintained that the plane has "no current limits" on its operational capabilities.
This situation contrasts with Ireland's acquisition of four new air corps helicopters, which were fitted with Elbit flight systems essential for their operation. An Israeli embassy spokesperson in the UK criticized the decision, calling it "incompetence and ideological fervour" and stating that "An Irish jet can't land in fog because of rabid anti-Israel brain rot."
Prior to the Falcon 6X's introduction in December 2025, the Irish government utilized a Lear jet. The Falcon 6X, manufactured by Dassault Aviation, is described by the company as offering "unprecedented all-weather situational awareness, day or night, in any phase of flight" through its cameras and sensors, which relay information to a computer display in the cockpit.
Ireland has adopted a firm stance on Israeli government actions in recent years, including banning Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich from entering the country. Elbit Systems, a primary manufacturer of land-based equipment and unmanned aerial vehicles for the Israeli military, has been the target of pro-Palestine protests globally. In June, four protesters were jailed for an "act of terrorism" after damaging an Elbit factory in Bristol, which was targeted due to its weapons' use in Gaza. The incident resulted in £1.2 million in damages and injuries to a police officer, leading to the group Palestine Action being designated as a banned organization.