France Conducts First Flight of Archange Intelligence Jet

The French Armaments Agency (DGA) has announced the first flight of the Archange aircraft, developed under France’s new-generation payload intelligence program.

The Archange program aims to deliver three aircraft by the end of the current Military Programming Law period (2024–2030). These aircraft are designed to detect and analyze radar and communication signals, strengthening the Air and Space Forces’ ability to gather and interpret critical electronic data.

The aircraft are based on Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 8X business jets, which are being converted into advanced intelligence platforms. Thales DMS and Thales SIX are developing the mission systems, which integrate high-performance sensors and technologies to enable real-time intelligence gathering and signal analysis.

“These aircraft will offer unprecedented synergy between radar and communication signal detection,” the DGA stated, highlighting their role in reinforcing national defense, operational autonomy, and informed military decision-making.

The program also includes dedicated training infrastructure and long-term in-service support to ensure full operational readiness.