Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 December 2025
101. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Defence if the Government is to take delivery of the Dassault Falcon 6X aircraft in December 2025; the final agreed cost; and the date by which the aircraft will enter operational service. [72029/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
This strategic reach aircraft, with a range of over 5000 nautical miles 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.
I am advised by the military authorities that the aircraft is presently expected to be operational by the end of quarter one (Q1) 2026.
The cost of the Falcon 6X aircraft was just below €53 million excluding VAT. 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.
