OVERVIEW: The Archange is a French long-range SIGINT/ELINT strategic reconnaissance aircraft based on the Dassault Falcon 8X platform. It is designed to replace the C-160G Gabriel in providing advanced airborne electronic surveillance and intelligence gathering, with entry into service scheduled for 2025.

DETAILS: Archange (Avion de Renseignement à CHArge utile de Nouvelle GEnération) is a next-generation airborne intelligence system developed by France to modernize its strategic electromagnetic reconnaissance capability. The aircraft is built on the Dassault Falcon 8X tri-jet airframe, offering extended endurance and high-altitude performance for long-duration missions. It is equipped with the Thales CUGE (Capacité Universelle de Guerre Électronique) system, capable of intercepting, localizing, and analyzing radar and communication signals across a broad frequency spectrum. Powered by three Pratt & Whitney Canada PW307D turbofans, the Falcon 8X reaches a speed of Mach 0.90 and a range of 12,000 km. The platform enables persistent standoff surveillance while integrating into national and allied intelligence architectures.

Archange features a complete overhaul of mission systems compared to its predecessor, integrating multi-sensor fusion, advanced signal processing, and real-time transmission capabilities. The CUGE suite combines communication intelligence (COMINT) and radar signal intelligence (ELINT) with embedded data processing and geolocation tools. Its external configuration includes multiple antennas and fairings for wide-spectrum coverage, all housed in a modified Falcon 8X airframe adapted for military electronic missions.

TYPE: SIGINT/ELINT Reconnaissance Aircraft

FUNCTION: Provides strategic electromagnetic intelligence gathering to detect, analyze, and geo-locate adversary radar and communication networks. It is suited for long-range, high-endurance missions supporting national intelligence and NATO operations.

NOTE:
IOC: 2016 (Falcon 8X), 2025 (Archange)
Manufacturer: Dassault Aviation (France)
Operators: France
Conflict used in: None as of 2025

SOURCE:
Ministère des Armées: https://www.defense.gouv.fr/actualites/articles/archange-le-futur-avion-de-renseignement-electromagnetique ; Dassault Aviation: https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/defense/archange ; Thales Group: https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/group/journalist/press_release/thales-deliver-cuge-electronic-warfare-system-archange ; Air & Cosmos: https://air-cosmos.com/article/le-programme-archange-se-prcise-23634