French DGA launches test campaign to clear Reaper Block 5 drone to fly over France.

In a series of tweets posted on August 4, the French DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement, General Directorate for Armament), announced that it has carried out the test flights of the Reaper Block 5 drone in its software version called "2408" above the French territory. This software version is essential for the implementation of new capabilities (Armament and COMINT). These first tests will allow the realization of experimental flights by the military air expertise center CEAM for the benefit of the Air and Space Force.

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Reaper Block 5 drone in software version called "2408" test-flown above the French territory. This software version is essential for the implementation of new capabilities (Armament and COMINT) (Picture source: DGA)

To conduct these complex tests on national territory, experts from the DGA Flight Tests expertise and testing center were accompanied by the Air Force, which escorted the drone with two Rafale fighter planes. The study of the results of the experiments will allow the commissioning of the Reaper in its software version 2408 to authorize the Air Force to train on French territory with limited constraints, while ensuring the safety of the overflown population.

Laurent Lagneau reports in Opex360.com that, out of the 12 MALE drones [Medium Altitude Long Endurance], only the three ones that were left at the Block 1 standard obtained an airworthiness certificate from the State Aeronautical Safety Directorate [DSAE], which allows them to operate in French airspace and, for instance, participate in Specific Air Security Measures (DPSA). As for the other nine Reaper drones, they have been, or are about to be, upgraded to the Block 5 standard.

Considering the modifications brought about by this modernization (new electrical system, improved software suite, more advanced sensors, etc.), these are essentially new devices, which require a new airworthiness certificate to allow them to fly in France, Laurent Lagneau reports. Without this, those that haven't been deployed in an external operational theater will be relegated to staying within the hangars of Air Base 709 in Cognac.

"In France, we have three Block 5 drones, but we haven't yet received authorization to fly them. We are awaiting airworthiness certificate accreditation to operate in mainland airspace. A new software version needs to be integrated into these devices, followed by testing and validation by the DGA," explained the commander of the 2/33 Savoie drone squadron to the specialized magazine Raids Aviation. This situation is expected to change soon due to test flights conducted on August 4th.

The French team involved in the flight tests carried on on August 4, 2023, with the Reaper Block 5 drone in software version called "2408" (Picture source: DGA)