France’s first Dassault Falcon 8X-based Archange signals-intelligence aircraft has arrived at Évreux Air Base in Normandy and been presented to the French Air and Space Force. The aircraft, operated under a programme intended to restore airborne electronic-intelligence capability, reached Base aérienne 105 on 7 October and is now undergoing technical-operational experimentation before entering service with the 5/64 “Dunkerque” Airborne Electronic Squadron.
The aircraft, registered F-ZJFM, was presented alongside its mission system during a capability event at Évreux. France’s Military Air Expertise Center is supporting trials and the preparation of equipment for future operational use. The arrival does not represent full operational acceptance or deployment.
Archange is designed to collect and analyse adversary electromagnetic emissions, including radar and communications signals. It will succeed the two Transall C-160G Gabriel aircraft, which were retired in 2022, and is intended to strengthen France’s airborne signals-intelligence and electronic-warfare capability.
Dassault Aviation is modifying the Falcon 8X, integrating the aircraft and conducting flight testing and supplemental certification. Thales is associated with the mission systems, sensors and electronic-warfare payload. The programme covers three aircraft and three ground systems, with the complete capability planned for around 2028-2029. The first aircraft made its inaugural flight from Dassault’s Bordeaux-Mérignac facility in July 2025.