France has taken a major step in strengthening its strategic intelligence capabilities with the successful maiden flight of the Archange, the new electronic reconnaissance aircraft of the French Air and Space Force. Based on the Dassault Falcon 8X business jet platform, this aircraft has been extensively modified to incorporate next-generation electronic warfare systems developed by Thales Group.
The Archange —an acronym in French for “Reconnaissance Aircraft with New Generation Payload Capability”— represents France’s new spearhead for collecting communication signals and radar emissions. It is designed to operate at the highest technological standards, reinforcing France’s position as a key player in airborne intelligence within the European context.
This development is part of the acquisition program established by the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law, which foresees the delivery of three Archange units to the Air Force. The aircraft will be based at Air Base 105 in Évreux, from where they will conduct strategic observation and intelligence-gathering missions during peacetime, crisis, or conflict.
A proven platform, now militarized
The Falcon 8X, developed by Dassault Aviation, is a tri-jet business aircraft renowned for its performance, reliability, and range: it can fly up to 12,000 kilometers non-stop with eight passengers and three crew members. With more than 2,700 units delivered to 90 countries and 20 million flight hours accumulated, the Falcon family has proven to be a flexible, robust, and cost-effective platform—ideal for military adaptations.
This proven record has been essential to the development of the Archange, which features the CUGE system (Capacité Universelle de Guerre Électronique), a suite of sensors and electronic intelligence equipment designed by Thales to support complex missions across multiple domains.
Adapting the Falcon 8X to this new role has required highly specialized integration, drawing on decades of joint experience between Dassault Aviation—also the manufacturer of the Rafale fighter-bomber and the nEUROn combat drone—and Thales, Europe’s leading defense technology company.
A tradition of multi-role Falcons
For over 50 years, Dassault has adapted its Falcon jets for various missions beyond executive transport: from medical evacuations to maritime surveillance, training, electronic warfare, and aerial photography. Approximately 10% of the global Falcon fleet is operated by armed forces or government agencies, demonstrating its operational versatility.
The Archange is a logical evolution of that legacy, designed to operate in scenarios where electronic superiority can provide a decisive tactical and strategic edge. As it progresses through its testing phase, it is expected that the aircraft’s entry into service will significantly enhance the deterrence and response capabilities of the French Air and Space Force.
Cover image obtained from the X account of French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu
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