Ireland’s deputy prime minister and Minister for Defence Micheál Martin announced on 18 December that the country’s government had awarded a contract for the procurement of a Dassault Falcon 6X Strategic Reach Aircraft.
The Department of Defence signed the EUR 53 million deal for the French-made Falcon 6X with delivery expected in December 2025. The Falcon 6X will have a total seating capacity of 17 persons and a passenger capacity of 14. It will be operated by the Irish Air Corps from Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel, County Dublin.
The aircraft has a maximum range of 5,060 nautical miles and features a modern suite of avionics, secure communications, operational and safety equipment.
Speaking after the award of the contract, Mr Martin said: “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.”
“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.”
