Paul Donnelly
Question:239. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Defence if the Air Corps have received the new Government jet; if not when does the Air Corps expect to receive this jet. [71772/25]
View answerTuesday, 16 December 2025
Questions (239)
Written answers
My Department signed a contract for the French made Dassault Falcon 6X in December 2024 with delivery expected in December 2025. The aircraft is expected to arrive in Casement Aerodrome today.
The Dassault Falcon 6X is a next generation aircraft which will enhance the State’s transport, airlift and medical evacuation capabilities, with a range of over 5000 nautical miles meaning it can reach the west coast of the United States without the need to refuel.
It provides the State with an independent and flexible air transport service, which is an increasingly essential requirement to assist the Government in meeting Ireland’s national and international obligations.
In addition, the aircraft will be used for a broad range of other taskings, including the 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 delivery of the Dassault Falcon 6X strategic reach aircraft represents a significant enhancement of the State’s transport, airlift and medical capabilities, and is further evidence of the Government’s ongoing commitment to enhance the capabilities of the Defence Forces.