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Irish Air Corps Receives New Falcon 6X for VIP Operations

Irish Air Corps Receives New Falcon 6X for VIP Operations
A Significant Upgrade in State Transport Capabilities
The Irish Air Corps has officially taken delivery of a new Falcon 6X, marking a pivotal enhancement in Ireland’s state transport and airlift capabilities. The aircraft arrived on December 16 at Baldonnel Airbase, delivered on schedule from Dassault Aviation’s Paris Le Bourget facility under the test registration F-WZOY. Set to enter service in the first quarter of 2026, the Falcon 6X will replace the aging Learjet 45, which has been in operation since 2003.
Configured to accommodate up to 14 passengers, the Falcon 6X will serve as Ireland’s primary VIP transport aircraft. Its mission profile includes government travel, medical evacuations, and the transport of personnel and supplies abroad. At the official handover ceremony, Minister for Defence Helen McEntee emphasized the aircraft’s critical role in enhancing the state’s transport, airlift, and medevac capabilities. She also highlighted its importance in supporting Defence Forces operations such as citizen evacuations and patient transfers.
Financial and Operational Considerations
The acquisition cost of the Falcon 6X amounted to EUR 53 million (approximately USD 62 million), excluding value-added tax, exceeding the initial budget by around EUR 8 million (USD 9.4 million). The new aircraft replaces the Learjet 45, registered as 258, which last operated between London Biggin Hill and Baldonnel in October 2025.
Integrating the Falcon 6X into the Irish Air Corps presents both opportunities and challenges. Ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining the aircraft’s advanced capabilities will be essential, particularly in light of evolving global security dynamics. The Falcon 6X has already demonstrated strong market performance, with over 20 deliveries and more than 5,000 flight hours logged, underscoring industry confidence in the platform.
Context Within the Global and National Fleet
Ireland is the second country to select the Falcon 6X for governmental VIP transport, following Serbia’s adoption earlier this year. To date, Dassault Aviation has delivered 25 Falcon 6X aircraft. The VIP and business jet sector remains highly competitive, with Bombardier’s Global 8000 preparing to enter service and the Royal Canadian Air Force recently acquiring Global 6500s. Dassault is also advancing its Falcon 10X program, with a maiden flight scheduled for 2026, which may further influence market dynamics.
The Falcon 6X’s arrival is part of a broader modernization initiative within the Irish Air Corps. In December, the Corps also received a new advanced surveillance DHC-6-400 for the Garda Air Support Unit, replacing a 1997-built BN-2 Defender. Earlier in the year, a C-295M was added to the fleet, complementing existing assets including two C-295MPAs, four PC-12NGs, eight Pilatus PC-9 trainers, and six AW139 helicopters. Additionally, four Eurocopter EC135s—two operated for the Garda—are slated for replacement by four Airbus H145 helicopters, with deliveries commencing in 2027.
As the Irish Air Corps continues its modernization efforts, the Falcon 6X is poised to play a central role in enhancing Ireland’s governmental and strategic airlift capabilities for the foreseeable future.

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