Defense & Military
France’s Archange Electronic Warfare Aircraft Completes Maiden Flight
France’s Archange SIGINT aircraft, built on Falcon 8X, completes maiden flight enhancing electronic warfare capabilities for national and NATO defense.
France’s Archange Electronic Warfare Aircraft Makes First Flight: Strategic Implications and Technical Breakthroughs
On July 25, 2025, France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces announced the successful maiden flight of the Archange (Avion de Renseignement à CHArge utile de Nouvelle GEnération), a next-generation electronic warfare and signals intelligence (SIGINT) aircraft. Developed by Dassault Aviation and Thales, the Archange represents a critical advancement in France’s strategic reconnaissance capabilities, replacing the retired Transall C-160 Gabriel aircraft.
This milestone underscores France’s commitment to maintaining electromagnetic superiority in a rapidly shifting global security environment. With rising tensions in Eastern Europe and the increasing importance of electronic intelligence in modern warfare, the Archange program is a cornerstone of France’s broader defense modernization strategy.
Background: Evolution of France’s SIGINT Capabilities
The Legacy of the Transall C-160 Gabriel
The Archange program was conceived to fill the void left by the early retirement of France’s Transall C-160 Gabriel aircraft in 2022. These aircraft, operational since the late 1980s, were central to France’s SIGINT operations, conducting missions over conflict zones such as the Balkans and the Middle East.
As aging platforms, the Gabriels faced increasing maintenance challenges and limitations in integrating modern electronic warfare systems. Their retirement coincided with a period of heightened geopolitical instability, particularly following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, which emphasized the need for robust and timely intelligence capabilities.
The absence of a dedicated strategic SIGINT platform left a capability gap that interim solutions, such as Mirage 2000D aircraft with ASTAC pods and leased Saab 340s, could not fully address.
The ARCHANGE Program: Strategic Relevance
Launched in 2019 under France’s Military Programming Law (LPM) 2019–2025, the Archange program aims to modernize the country’s airborne intelligence-gathering infrastructure. The program involves the conversion of three Dassault Falcon 8X business jets into high-end SIGINT platforms equipped with Thales’ CUGE system (Capacité Universelle de Guerre Électronique).
The Falcon 8X was selected for its long-range capabilities, reliability, and adaptability. With a range of nearly 12,000 km, it allows for extended missions over contested or remote regions, providing France with a strategic reconnaissance tool capable of supporting both national and NATO operations.
The CUGE system is designed to detect, intercept, and analyze a wide spectrum of electromagnetic signals, including radar and communication emissions. It integrates AI to automate signal classification and threat identification, enhancing the speed and accuracy of intelligence processing.
Key Facts and Data: Technical Specifications and Program Details
Aircraft Specifications
The following table compares the Falcon 8X-based Archange with its predecessor, the C-160 Gabriel:
| Parameter | Falcon 8X (Archange) | Transall C-160 Gabriel |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 24.46 m | 32.4 m |
| Wingspan | 26.29 m | 40 m |
| Engines | 3 × Pratt & Whitney PW307D | 2 × Rolls-Royce Tyne |
| Max Speed | 953 km/h | 510 km/h |
| Range | 11,945 km | 5,000 km |
| Payload | CUGE system + sensors | SIGINT equipment |
The Archange’s advanced avionics, combined with the AI-powered CUGE system, provide a significant upgrade over the manually operated and analog systems found on the C-160 Gabriel.
One of the key enhancements is the use of multi-polarized antennas and machine learning algorithms to quickly identify, geolocate, and prioritize electromagnetic threats. This allows operators to act on real-time data during missions.
Additionally, the Falcon 8X’s modern cockpit and flight systems improve mission endurance and crew efficiency during long-duration operations.
“The CUGE system enables simultaneous detection and analysis of radar and communication signals, leveraging AI for automated data processing.”, Thales Group
Program Timeline and Costs
The Archange program was officially launched in December 2019 when Thales and Dassault Aviation were awarded the development contract. The goal was to deliver the first aircraft by 2025; however, the timeline has been extended, with full operational capability now expected by 2028.
The first prototype, registered as F-WWVS, completed its Maiden-Flight on July 17, 2025, from Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport. This milestone marks the transition from development to testing and validation phases.
While exact budget figures have not been disclosed, the program is part of a broader national investment in defense technology under the LPM 2019–2025 framework, which prioritizes electronic warfare and intelligence capabilities.
Recent Developments: Operational Readiness and Strategic Context
Bridging the Capability Gap
Following the retirement of the C-160 Gabriel fleet, France resorted to short-term measures to maintain its SIGINT capabilities. These included using Mirage 2000D fighters equipped with ASTAC pods and leasing Saab 340 aircraft from Sweden.
However, these platforms offered limited range and data processing capabilities compared to the strategic-level functionality envisioned for the Archange. The new aircraft aims to restore and enhance France’s ability to conduct long-range, high-altitude reconnaissance missions.
This restoration is particularly significant in the context of NATO operations on the alliance’s eastern flank, where electronic surveillance is a critical component of deterrence and situational awareness.
The Maiden Flight and Base Assignment
The successful first flight of the Archange prototype in July 2025 marks a major technical and symbolic achievement. The aircraft is scheduled to be stationed at Évreux-Fauville Air Base (BA 105), which will serve as the operational hub for the Archange fleet.
BA 105 is also home to the 1/54 Dunkerque Electronic Warfare Squadron, which will operate the new aircraft. In parallel, a ground-based training platform is being developed to support crew readiness and mission simulation.
Operational deployment of the first aircraft is expected by 2028, with all three units in service by 2030, fully replacing the Gabriel fleet.
Expert Opinions: Industry and Government Perspectives
Industry Contributions: Thales and Dassault
Thales has emphasized that the CUGE system represents a leap forward in electronic warfare capabilities, integrating AI and advanced signal processing to meet evolving threats. The system is designed to adapt to new signal types and jamming techniques, ensuring long-term relevance.
Dassault Aviation has highlighted the Falcon 8X’s performance, including its digital flight deck (EASY) and FalconEye vision system, which improves situational awareness during complex missions.
Both companies have praised the collaborative development process, which involved close coordination with the French Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and the Air and Space Force.
Government Statements and Strategic Vision
French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu publicly stated that the Archange would “detect communication signals and radar emissions at the highest standards,” reinforcing France’s sovereignty in intelligence gathering.
The DGA described the first flight as a “culmination of several years of collective commitment,” reflecting the strategic importance of the program to national defense.
Officials have also noted the platform’s potential role in supporting NATO missions and contributing to collective defense in Europe.
Global and Industry Context: Trends in Military ISR Platforms
Business Jets as ISR Platforms
The Archange is part of a broader trend among NATO countries to convert business jets into intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. These conversions offer advantages in cost, range, and modularity.
For example, Italy has adopted the EA-37B Compass Call, based on the Gulfstream G550, for long-range electronic warfare missions. Similarly, France is integrating the Saab GlobalEye for airborne early warning roles.
These platforms allow for rapid upgrades and integration of cutting-edge sensors, making them suitable for evolving mission requirements.
Strategic Role in NATO and European Defense
The Archange enhances France’s ability to contribute to NATO’s intelligence architecture, particularly in regions where persistent surveillance is critical. Its long-range capabilities make it suitable for missions over the Baltic, Black Sea, and Eastern Europe.
Additionally, the program reflects France’s ambition to strengthen European defense autonomy by reducing reliance on U.S.-made platforms like the RC-135 or EA-18G Growler.
The integration of the Archange into European defense networks, such as the Future Combat Air System (SCAF), is expected to further enhance interoperability and data-sharing capabilities across allied forces.
Conclusion
The Archange program represents a significant advancement in France’s electronic warfare and SIGINT capabilities. By replacing the aging C-160 Gabriels with modern, AI-enabled platforms, France is positioning itself to meet the demands of modern conflict environments.
As the aircraft enters testing and prepares for operational deployment, its role in national and NATO defense strategies will likely expand. Continued investment in training, integration, and AI development will be key to realizing its full potential.
FAQ
What is the Archange aircraft?
The Archange is a French SIGINT and electronic warfare aircraft based on the Dassault Falcon 8X, developed to replace the retired C-160 Gabriel.
What systems does the Archange use?
It uses the CUGE system developed by Manufacturers, which includes AI-driven signal processing and multi-polarized antennas for electronic intelligence gathering.
When will the Archange become operational?
The first flight occurred in July 2025, with full operational capability expected by 2028–2030.
Sources:
Milmag,
Army Recognition,
The Aviationist,
Overt Defense,
C4ISRNET,
Thales,
Ministère des Armées,
Army Recognition (Italy),
Dassault Falcon
Photo Credit: Army Recognition
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU at Farnborough to establish a Canadian F414 engine MRO center if Canada selects the Gripen E.
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to establish a Canadian MRO center for the F414-GE-39E engine. The agreement is entirely contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for its future fighter fleet.
Announced in a GE Aerospace press release, the proposed MRO work would take place at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The partnership aims to position Magellan as Canada’s domestic center of excellence for F414 engine sustainment, guaranteeing sovereign support capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) if the Gripen E is acquired.
Industrial offsets and the Gripen E campaign
The MOU represents a calculated component of a broader industrial offset campaign by Saab AB and its suppliers to secure a portion of Canada’s fighter procurement contract. The Canadian government is currently reviewing its fighter jet strategy. While Ottawa previously committed to purchasing a fleet of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft, the government is evaluating a potential mixed fleet that could include domestically built Gripen E fighters.
To strengthen the Gripen’s bid, Saab has been securing agreements with Canadian aerospace firms to promise domestic job creation and technology transfer. This engine sustainment agreement follows a similar MOU signed on July 17, 2026, between Saab and Canadian aviation training firm CAE Inc. to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot Training.
Engine sustainment and domestic capabilities
The F414 engine family has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours globally. The new agreement builds on a 60-year working relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation.
Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, stated that the agreement spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the RCAF has in-country access to sustainment services to maintain F414 readiness.
Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace Corporation, emphasized the operational benefits of the proposed partnership.
“Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity,” Martin said.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a clear signal that the competition for Canada’s fighter fleet remains highly active despite the initial F-35A selection. By lining up domestic heavyweights like Magellan and CAE, Saab is directly addressing Ottawa’s stringent Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy requirements. If the Government of Canada opts for a mixed fleet, establishing sovereign MRO capabilities for the F414 engine will be a critical factor in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring RCAF operational independence. Until a formal procurement decision is finalized, these agreements remain strategic positioning rather than guaranteed Contracts.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
CBP AMO Orders 10 Airbus H125 Helicopters for Fleet Expansion
CBP Air and Marine Operations contracts for 10 Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a 30-year fleet of over 100 rotary-wing aircraft.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations (CBP AMO) has finalized a contract to acquire 10 additional Airbus H125 helicopters, expanding a fleet modernization effort that relies heavily on the single-engine platform for border security and law enforcement missions.
In a press release issued on July 7, 2026, Airbus confirmed the agreement, which reinforces a three-decade relationship between the federal agency and the aerospace manufacturer. The new helicopters will be assembled at the Airbus Helicopters production facility in Columbus, Mississippi.
Expanding the airborne law enforcement fleet
The latest acquisition builds upon a previous order placed in August 2020, when CBP AMO contracted for 16 H125 helicopters to upgrade its aging rotary-wing assets. The agency currently operates a total fleet of more than 240 aircraft, which includes over 100 helicopters from the Airbus H120 and H125 families delivered over the past 30 years.
The H125, formerly known as the Eurocopter AS350, is utilized by CBP AMO for a variety of demanding flight profiles, including border surveillance, suspect pursuit, and general public safety operations across the United States.
Bart Reijnen, Head of the North America Region for Airbus Helicopters, stated that the expansion “underscores the long-standing collaboration” between the manufacturer and the federal agency. He added that the selection highlights the trust placed in the H125 to execute critical public safety missions under demanding conditions, with Airbus committing to provide comprehensive services to maintain mission readiness.
Virtual reality integration for pilot training
As CBP AMO increases its H125 inventory, the agency is simultaneously overhauling how it trains the personnel who fly them. In November 2025, CBP became the first federal law enforcement agency and the first branch of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to integrate virtual reality into its aerial training program.
According to reporting by FLYING Magazine, the agency awarded a contract to adopt an FAA-qualified Airbus H125 virtual reality flight simulator developed by Loft Dynamics. The simulator is being installed at the CBP AMO training center in Oklahoma City, where it will be used to train the agency’s roster of more than 600 pilots.
AirPro News analysis
We view CBP AMO’s continued investment in the H125 platform as a clear indicator of the agency’s preference for fleet commonality. Operating a standardized fleet of over 100 H125-family helicopters significantly reduces maintenance overhead, streamlines supply chains, and simplifies pilot transition training. Furthermore, Airbus’s strategy of assembling these aircraft in Columbus, Mississippi, likely plays a crucial role in navigating federal procurement requirements, ensuring that the European manufacturer remains highly competitive for U.S. government contracts. The parallel investment in Loft Dynamics’ VR simulators suggests the agency is preparing for a sustained, long-term operational lifespan for the H125 fleet.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
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