Dassault orders Albatros

The French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) has placed an order for five additional Falcon 2000 Albatros aircraft from Dassault Aviation, completing a total contract for twelve planes under the AVSIMAR maritime surveillance and intervention program. These aircraft, based on the Falcon 2000LXS business jet, feature advanced maritime surveillance capabilities including multifunction radar, high-performance optronic turrets, observation windows, and dedicated communication systems. Developed in collaboration with Naval Group, Safran, and Thales, the Albatros fleet will replace the aging Falcon 50M and Falcon 200 Gardian aircraft, enhancing the French Navy's airborne maritime surveillance with improved range and capabilities. Testing and certification flights are ongoing at Dassault's facilities in Istres and Mérignac, with the aircraft expected to enter service by 2026. The program addresses increasing maritime security challenges and government action at sea, including border monitoring, pollution control, and combating trafficking, as recent regional airspace violations have underscored the importance of maritime and air surveillance. The Falcon 2000 Albatros represents a significant modernization step for the French naval aviation force, supporting both defense and civil support missions.