First flight of French ARCHANGE Intelligence Aircraft Marks Milestone in Strategic ISR Capability
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According to information published by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces on 25 July 2025, the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA – Direction Générale de l’Armement) announced the successful first flight of the ARCHANGE (Avions de Renseignement à CHArge utile de Nouvelle GEnération) aircraft. This first flight signals advancement in France’s ability to conduct high-value strategic intelligence operations.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The first of the three modified Dassault Falcon 8X for the ARCHANGE project. (Picture source: DGA)
The ARCHANGE programme aims to deliver three advanced airborne platforms by the end of the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law. These aircraft will be tasked with the detection and analysis of radar and communication signals, thereby enhancing the French Air and Space Force’s capacity to collect and interpret electromagnetic intelligence at the strategic level.
This programme involves modifying Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 8X business aircraft into advanced intelligence platforms. The Falcon 8X, a significantly upgraded and modernised version of the Falcon 7X, entered service in 2016. The aircraft measures 24.46 metres in length and is powered by three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307D engines, offering a maximum speed of 953 km/h, a range of 11,945 km, and seating for up to 19 passengers.
The ARCHANGE variant was unveiled in 2019 during the Paris Air Show. It will be equipped with the universal electronic warfare system CUGE (Capacité Universelle de Guerre Électronique), developed by Thales. It will also feature the EASY digital flight deck and the FalconEye combined vision system (CVS). The aircraft includes an improved three-engine jet configuration and a high-sensitivity sensor, suitable for long-distance interception and detection of modern stealth signals. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2025.
The three new aircraft are set to replace the two existing Transall C-160 Gabriel aircraft of the French Air and Space Force, which were retired in 2022. Commissioned in 1989, the Transall C160G was used for electronic reconnaissance, aerial espionage, and intelligence gathering. It is larger than the new Falcon 8X ARCHANGE, boasting a wingspan of 40 metres and a length of 32.4 metres. It can reach a maximum speed of 510 km/h and has a range of 5,000 km, extendable with air-to-air refuelling.
According to the official fact sheet for the ARCHANGE aircraft, it is intended to carry out several mission types, such as reinforcing electromagnetic intelligence capabilities (ROEM) by enabling the interception, characterisation, and analysis of radio and radar emissions (electronic warfare); assessing an adversary’s strengths and adapting electronic countermeasures accordingly; and disseminating warning intelligence to multiple actors as an essential node in collaborative combat.
These new aircraft will also fill-in the gap left by the premature retirement of the Transall C-160 Gabriel which other aircraft system could not fill and significantly enhance France Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities.
The DGA praised the strong collaboration among stakeholders, stating that it “reflects their collective commitment to strengthening France’s defence capabilities, its decision-making sovereignty, and the operational superiority of its armed forces.”
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According to information published by the French Ministry of the Armed Forces on 25 July 2025, the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA – Direction Générale de l’Armement) announced the successful first flight of the ARCHANGE (Avions de Renseignement à CHArge utile de Nouvelle GEnération) aircraft. This first flight signals advancement in France’s ability to conduct high-value strategic intelligence operations.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The first of the three modified Dassault Falcon 8X for the ARCHANGE project. (Picture source: DGA)
The ARCHANGE programme aims to deliver three advanced airborne platforms by the end of the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law. These aircraft will be tasked with the detection and analysis of radar and communication signals, thereby enhancing the French Air and Space Force’s capacity to collect and interpret electromagnetic intelligence at the strategic level.
This programme involves modifying Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 8X business aircraft into advanced intelligence platforms. The Falcon 8X, a significantly upgraded and modernised version of the Falcon 7X, entered service in 2016. The aircraft measures 24.46 metres in length and is powered by three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307D engines, offering a maximum speed of 953 km/h, a range of 11,945 km, and seating for up to 19 passengers.
The ARCHANGE variant was unveiled in 2019 during the Paris Air Show. It will be equipped with the universal electronic warfare system CUGE (Capacité Universelle de Guerre Électronique), developed by Thales. It will also feature the EASY digital flight deck and the FalconEye combined vision system (CVS). The aircraft includes an improved three-engine jet configuration and a high-sensitivity sensor, suitable for long-distance interception and detection of modern stealth signals. The first aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2025.
The three new aircraft are set to replace the two existing Transall C-160 Gabriel aircraft of the French Air and Space Force, which were retired in 2022. Commissioned in 1989, the Transall C160G was used for electronic reconnaissance, aerial espionage, and intelligence gathering. It is larger than the new Falcon 8X ARCHANGE, boasting a wingspan of 40 metres and a length of 32.4 metres. It can reach a maximum speed of 510 km/h and has a range of 5,000 km, extendable with air-to-air refuelling.
According to the official fact sheet for the ARCHANGE aircraft, it is intended to carry out several mission types, such as reinforcing electromagnetic intelligence capabilities (ROEM) by enabling the interception, characterisation, and analysis of radio and radar emissions (electronic warfare); assessing an adversary’s strengths and adapting electronic countermeasures accordingly; and disseminating warning intelligence to multiple actors as an essential node in collaborative combat.
These new aircraft will also fill-in the gap left by the premature retirement of the Transall C-160 Gabriel which other aircraft system could not fill and significantly enhance France Electronic Warfare (EW) capabilities.
The DGA praised the strong collaboration among stakeholders, stating that it “reflects their collective commitment to strengthening France’s defence capabilities, its decision-making sovereignty, and the operational superiority of its armed forces.”
