The Falcon 6X.Dassault

Ireland's Department of Defence has signed a deal with Dassault Aviation for a new long-range aircraft capable for use in oversees missions.

Tánaiste and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin confirmed the contract with the French aerospace company for the Falcon 6X jet, which will cost just below €53 million excluding VAT.

According to a statement issued by the department on Dec. 18, the new multi-purpose strategic reach aircraft is capable of use in overseas missions across the globe.

The airframe is currently being built in the company’s production facility in Bordeaux, France. 

Delivery of the new long-range jet is expected in December 2025, with the aircraft available in time for Ireland’s EU Presidency in the second half of 2026.

It will be stationed at the Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel and will be operated by the Irish Air Corps.

"This new next generation aircraft will be a game-changer for the State’s transport, airlift and medical 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," said the Tánaiste.

"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.”

According to RTÉ, the government's previous aircraft, the Learjet, was beset a host of issues and broke down a number of times late last year.

In 2024, the 30-year-old Learjet was only used to carry out medical evacuations.

A Department of Defence spokesperson said that the Falcon 6X is "intended as a replacement to the Learjet."