The Department of Defence has signed a €53m contract for a new government jet to be used in overseas missions across the globe, and with delivery expected in December 2025, the French-built aircraft will be available in time for Ireland’s EU Presidency in the second half of 2026.
Speaking after the deal for the French-made Falcon 6X was signed in December 2024, the Tánaiste Micheál Martin, who is Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, described this next generation aircraft as “a game-changer” for the State’s transport, airlift and medical capabilities. The jet will be operated by the Irish Air Corps from Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel,
“It will be used for a wide range of tasks, including the non-combatant evacuation of Irish citizens from critical situations, air-ambulance patient transfers, medical evacuation or repatriation of Irish Defence Forces personnel deployed on overseas missions and logistics support for the transport of supplies to Irish Defence Forces overseas missions.
“In addition, it will provide the independent and flexible air transport service which is an increasingly essential requirement to assist the government in meeting our national and international obligations.”
Manufactured by Dassault Aviation SA, a French aerospace company of long standing in the aviation and defence industries, the Falcon 6X will have a total seating capacity of 17 persons and a passenger capacity of 14. The airframe is currently being built in the company’s production facility in Bordeaux, France.
With a maximum range of 5,060 nautical miles, it means that the multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft can reach the west coast of the United States without the need to refuel. It features a modern suite of avionics, secure communications, operational and safety equipment. The cost of the Falcon 6X aircraft is just below €53 million, plus VAT.
The new Falcon 6X is expected to arrive in December 2025. © Dassault Aviation
