DGA Orders 5 Falcon 2000 Albatros for Maritime Patrol Aircraft Conversion

France’s Defense Procurement and Technology Agency (DGA) has placed an order with Dassault Aviation for five Falcon 2000 Albatros aircraft under the Maritime Surveillance and Intervention Aircraft (AVSIMAR) program.

The contract, signed on September 26, was announced by the company on October 2. It brings the total number of aircraft in the program to twelve, following an initial order for seven units in December 2020.

The Falcon 2000 Albatros is a maritime patrol and surveillance version of the Falcon 2000LXS business jet. It is equipped with a multifunction radar beneath the fuselage, a high-performance optronic turret, observation windows, a Search and Rescue (SAR) kit deployment system, and dedicated communication equipment.

Developed in collaboration with Naval Group, Safran, and Thales, the aircraft is designed for maritime patrol, surveillance, and rescue missions. The conversion work is carried out at Dassault Aviation’s Mérignac facility in western France, while testing takes place at the company’s flight test center in Istres, southern France.

The Falcon 2000LXS platform offers a range of 4,000 nautical miles and the ability to operate from short or challenging runways. The aircraft’s low-speed handling and endurance make it suitable for long-duration maritime operations.