On January 24, 2025, the prototype Dassault Aviation Albatros maritime surveillance aircraft made its maiden flight, temporarily registered F-WATM. Derived from the Falcon 2000LXS business jet, the Albatros retains the elegant lines of its predecessor, while incorporating equipment specific to its future missions. The French Ministry of the Armed Forces has ordered seven aircraft, with an option for a further five to be confirmed this year.

A versatile maritime surveillance mission

Unlike traditional maritime patrol aircraft, the Albatros is designed for multi-role maritime surveillance missions. It is not designed to be armed or to detect enemy submarines. Its missions include surveillance of fishing zones, control of maritime migratory flows, pollution control and search and rescue operations on the high seas. It is the successor to the Falcon 50M and Gardian, bringing modernized capabilities to the French Navy.

State-of-the-art equipment for effective surveillance

The Albatros is equipped with Thales Searchmaster multifunction radar under the fuselage, providing effective surveillance of the sea surface. A EuroFLIR 410 infrared electro-optical turret is installed under the aft fuselage, enhancing detection capabilities. Large observation windows on the left side of the fuselage enable high altitude photography. This latest-generation equipment enhances the effectiveness of surveillance missions.

Technical specifications and performance

Based on the Falcon 2000LXS, the Albatros is 20.23 meters long, 7.11 meters high and has a wingspan of 21.38 meters. It has a maximum take-off weight of 19,414 kilograms and can fly for up to seven hours. Its two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW308C engines each deliver 31.14 kilonewtons of thrust, enabling a cruising speed of 851 km/h. This performance ensures extensive coverage of France’s maritime zones.

An ambitious program for the French Navy

The AVSIMAR (Avion de Surveillance et d’Intervention Maritime) program calls for the acquisition of 12 Falcon 2000 Albatros to replace the old Falcon 200 Gardian and Falcon 50M. The first batch of seven aircraft was ordered in November 2020, with ten years’ operational support. Deliveries will start in 2025, reinforcing France’s maritime surveillance capabilities.

The Albatros represents a significant step forward for French maritime surveillance. With its modern equipment and high performance, it is well suited to today’s maritime surveillance challenges. Its scheduled entry into service in 2025 marks an important milestone for the French Navy.

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