Dassault Archange Reconnaissance Aircraft Takes to Skies for the First Time

The Dassault Archange electronic reconnaissance aircraft for the French Aerospace Forces has taken to the skies for the first time.

This is reported by OpexNews.

The aircraft is being developed jointly by Dassault Aviation, the developer and manufacturer, and Thales France, the company responsible for the supply of electronic systems.

The basis for the future electronic reconnaissance aircraft is the Falcon 8X civilian aircraft, which made its maiden flight on July 25, 2025 from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport.

The aircraft is to fill the gap created by the decommissioning of the C160 Gabriel aircraft, which were used for such missions as part of the 1/54 Dunkerque squadron and were withdrawn from service in 2022.

The delivery of the Archange aircraft is expected to take place between 2026 and 2028, which differs from the original plans, which envisaged delivery in 2023-2026.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that Saab and the French defense procurement and technology agency Direction générale de l’armement (DGA) had signed an agreement of intent to purchase GlobalEye long-range radar detection aircraft.

It is noted that the agreement covered the purchase of two aircraft, as well as a full package of support services, which included ground equipment, crew training and technical support during operation.

French specialized media reported on plans to upgrade the fleet of DRLV aircraft in early 2024. Today, France operates four Boeing E-3 Sentry aircraft manufactured by the United States. These aircraft entered service back in 1991.