The Irish Air Corps is to receive a Falcon 6X business jet that from 2026 it will use in a global ‘strategic reach' role. (Ghana Air Force)
Ireland is to field a new Dassault Falcon 6X business jet in the global support role, the country's government announced on 18 December.
Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin confirmed on 18 December the EUR53 million (USD55 million) contract for the “strategic reach” aircraft to be delivered in December 2025.
“[The] new multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft [will be] capable of use in overseas missions across the globe,” the Irish government said, adding that the twin-jet aircraft will be available for use from 2026.
The Irish government described the new aircraft that can fly 5,000 n miles as being “a game-changer” for its transport, airlift, and aeromedical capabilities.
“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,” the announcement said. “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.”
The Falcon 6X has a total seating capacity of 17 persons (or a passenger capacity of 14). Once received, the new aircraft will be operated by the Irish Air Corps from Casement Aerodrome in Dublin.
For more information on the Irish Air Corps, please see Ireland – Air Force.
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