France’s Directorate General of Armaments has announced the successful maiden flight of the ARCHANGE intelligence aircraft. Under the ARCHANGE programme, three advanced airborne platforms are set to be delivered by the end of the 2024–2030 Military Programming Law. These aircraft will be tasked with detecting and analysing radar and communications signals, enhancing the French Air and Space Force’s ability to collect and interpret electromagnetic intelligence at the strategic level.
First unveiled in 2019 at the Paris Air Show, the ARCHANGE will be equipped with the CUGE (Capacité Universelle de Guerre Électronique) global electronic warfare system developed by Thales. The aircraft features a refined trijet design and a highly sensitive sensor suite capable of detecting and intercepting modern low-signature signals over long ranges.
