French Air Force Uses Saab 340 for Interim Intelligence Before Falcon Archange.

The French Air and Space Force has recently incorporated a new Saab 340 aircraft as a temporary solution to fill the gap left by the retirement of the Transall C-160 Gabriel aircraft, which were used for electronic intelligence gathering in the Black Sea and Baltic Sea regions as reported by Opex360. The premature withdrawal of these aircraft, before the arrival of their successors, the Falcon "Archange", has sparked debate, particularly due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. General Frédéric Parisot, the then Major General of the Air and Space Force, defended this decision during a parliamentary hearing, citing the high maintenance costs and low availability of the Transall aircraft.
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While awaiting the deployment of the Falcon Archange, expected between 2028 and 2030, the Air and Space Force has chosen an interim solution with the SOLAR contract awarded to CAE Aviation (Picture source: Dassault Aviation)

While awaiting the deployment of the Falcon Archange, expected between 2028 and 2030, the Air and Space Force has chosen an interim solution with the SOLAR contract awarded to CAE Aviation. This contract involves leasing a Saab 340 equipped with next-generation sensors to ensure the continuity of intelligence missions. This choice reflects an adaptation to the defense and intelligence requirements in a complex global context.

On December 30, 2019, the French Defense Procurement Agency (DGA) placed an order for the Archange airborne strategic intelligence program, which includes three Dassault Aviation Falcon 8X aircraft outfitted with Thales' new-generation CUGE (universal electronic warfare capability) payload. The contract for the first two aircraft has been awarded.

The Falcon "Archange" is a next-generation intelligence aircraft based on the Dassault Aviation business jet platform. Scheduled to enter service between 2028 and 2030, these aircraft are set to replace older electronic warfare aircraft like the Transall C-160 Gabriel. They are designed to conduct electronic and electromagnetic intelligence (EMINT) missions, using advanced equipment for surveillance and data collection in strategic environments. Their introduction is aimed at significantly enhancing France's aerial intelligence capabilities through advanced technology and improved operational efficiency.

The Saab 340, painted in white and red, is now visible near the Évreux Air Base 105, home to Squadron 01.054 Dunkerque. The Saab 340 is a regional transport aircraft developed by Saab, which made its first flight in 1983 and entered service in 1984. Designed to carry up to 34 passengers, the Saab 340 is equipped with two General Electric CT7 turboprops, providing a cruising speed of 270 knots (about 500 km/h) and a range of 1730 km. It is particularly noted for its reliability and ability to operate over short distances, making it ideal for regional flights and surveillance missions when equipped with specialized sensors.

The onboard sensors are likely integrated into the AGOMS (Air Ground Operational Management System) by CAE Aviation, which allows the control and integration of various sensors on ISR aircraft, such as surveillance radars, EMINT systems, and other monitoring equipment.