France’s first Falcon 8X Archange signals-intelligence aircraft arrived at Évreux Air Base 105 on 7 October, reaching the base where it is due to operate. The Military Air Expertise Center (CEAM) is conducting technical and operational trials to prepare the aircraft and its mission systems for service. The work is a preparatory step; the aircraft has not entered operational service.
The Archange team has tested loading and using operational equipment in coordination with the French defence procurement agency’s flight-test division, Dassault Aviation and Thales. Airborne Electronic Squadron 5/64 “Dunkerque” is supporting the trials. The aircraft and mission system were presented to the Air and Space Force chief of staff and other senior military and civilian officials on 8 October, at an event organised by the Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN).
Archange is intended to replace the Transall Gabriel, retired in 2022, and restore France’s airborne electromagnetic-intelligence capability. Its missions include collecting and exploiting adversary electromagnetic emissions, updating and sharing electronic order-of-battle information, and supporting electronic-warfare databases used to prepare air operations.
The programme covers three aircraft and three ground systems. Deliveries to the armed forces are expected in 2028–2029. The Ministry of the Armed Forces has not provided a detailed testing schedule or a date for entry into operational service.