Ireland skips Israeli-made vision system in new government jet over political stance

Ireland took delivery of a new government aircraft shortly before Christmas 2025, a Dassault Falcon 6X valued at around 53 million euros. According to reporting cited by aerotelegraph.com, the jet was ordered without Falcon Eye, an optional enhanced flight vision system offered by manufacturer Dassault.

Falcon Eye combines thermal imaging and navigation data to give pilots a form of night and fog vision in the cockpit, mounted in the aircraft's nose. The system is developed with components from Israeli defense firm Elbit Systems.

The report links the decision to forgo the system to Ireland's political position toward Israel. Dublin has been among the more vocal European governments criticizing Israel's military campaign in Gaza following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. Ireland later joined Spain and Norway in recognizing a Palestinian state and backed a genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Israel subsequently announced it would close its embassy in Dublin.

An academic quoted in the coverage suggested Ireland's stance also reflects its own history of British occupation, which has shaped a sense of solidarity with Palestinians.

The report, originating from Irish outlet The Journal, frames the omission of Falcon Eye as a deliberate choice tied to the wider diplomatic dispute rather than a technical or budgetary decision. No official Irish government statement on the specific reasoning was cited.