France Orders Additional Falcon Albatros Aircraft

France's Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) placed an order on September 26, 2025, for five Dassault Aviation Falcon 2000 Albatros aircraft as part of the Maritime Surveillance and Intervention Aircraft (AVSIMAR) program. This new order follows a previous order of seven aircraft in December 2020, bringing the total number of aircraft under the program to twelve.

The Falcon 2000 Albatros is based on the Falcon 2000LXS business jet and is equipped with a multifunction radar, an optronic turret, and search and rescue capabilities. The aircraft is designed for maritime surveillance missions, leveraging Dassault Aviation's extensive experience in similar applications worldwide.

Development of the aircraft involves collaboration with Naval Group, Safran, and Thales. Flight testing is conducted at Dassault Aviation's facility in Istres, with conversion work performed at its Mérignac site. Dassault Aviation has a history of adapting Falcon aircraft for maritime patrol and surveillance roles, having supplied such configurations to entities including the Japanese Coast Guard. The company highlights France's significant maritime interests due to its extensive exclusive economic zone.