France’s first Falcon 8X ARCHANGE arrived at Air Base 105 in Évreux on 7 October, where teams began trials to prepare the aircraft and its mission equipment for service. The Military Air Expertise Center (CEAM) is leading the technical and operational work with the DGA flight-test unit, Dassault Aviation and Thales, supported by the 5/64 “Dunkerque” airborne electronic squadron. The programme remains in a testing phase, not operational service.
At Évreux, the teams tested the loading and operation of mission equipment. The aircraft and its mission system were presented to the Air and Space Force chief of staff and other senior officials on 8 October. No detailed test results or more specific entry-into-service date have been disclosed.
The ARCHANGE system is designed to collect and analyse adversary electromagnetic emissions, building a picture of forces and their operating environment. It is also intended to update and share information on adversary electronic order of battle in real time, supporting mission planning, threat assessment and aircraft protection.
The Falcon 8X-based aircraft will succeed the Transall C-160 Gabriel, withdrawn from service in 2022. France’s programme covers three aircraft and three ground systems, with deliveries expected in 2028–2029.