DefenseFrance Orders Five Additional Falcon 2000 Albatros Maritime Patrol Aircraft
The French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) has placed an order with Dassault Aviation for five more Falcon 2000 LXS Albatros maritime patrol aircraft. These aircraft are part of the country’s ongoing AVSIMAR program, which aims to equip the French Navy with a total of 12 new surveillance and rescue planes.
This latest order follows an initial contract signed in December 2020 for seven Albatros aircraft. The new jets will replace eight Falcon 50 M and five Falcon 200 Gardian planes that have served the French Navy for years.
The Albatros is equipped for missions including search and rescue, maritime surveillance, and disaster response.
The first Albatros took flight in January 2025, marking a significant step in the program’s development. Certification and testing activities are underway at the DGA’s test center in Istres. Authorities expect the fleet to achieve its initial operational capability by the end of 2026.
Dassault Aviation’s Falcon 2000 LXS Albatros features advanced mission systems tailored for maritime operations. The aircraft will enhance the French Navy’s ability to monitor maritime zones, provide disaster relief, and conduct search and rescue missions.
Previous AVSIMAR program announcements outlined the phased replacement of older patrol models as part of France’s modernization strategy. The gradual fleet renewal seeks to improve operational effectiveness and adapt to evolving mission requirements in maritime security.
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