On 26 September 2025, the French Defence Procurement and Technology Agency (DGA) placed an order with Dassault Aviation for five Falcon 2000 Albatros aircraft as part of the Maritime Surveillance and Intervention Aircraft (AVSIMAR) program. This brings the planned total to 12 aircraft, following an earlier order of seven in December 2020.

The Falcon 2000 Albatros, based on the Falcon 2000LXS business jet, is equipped with a multifunction radar beneath the fuselage, a high-performance optronic turret, observation windows, a SAR kit release solution, and dedicated communications systems. With a range of 4,000 nm and strong low-speed performance, the aircraft can operate from challenging airports and perform a wide variety of maritime missions.

Developed by Dassault Aviation in collaboration with Naval Group, Safran, and Thales, the aircraft undergo flight testing at Dassault’s Istres facility, while conversion work is conducted at Mérignac.

Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, highlighted the company’s extensive experience in maritime surveillance, citing previous adaptations for the U.S. Coast Guard, Japanese Coast Guard, and French Navy. He noted the aircraft’s versatility in homeland protection, maritime security, pollution monitoring, fisheries policing, and search and rescue operations.

Over the past 60 years, Dassault has adapted numerous Falcon aircraft for maritime surveillance, medical evacuation, cargo transport, calibration, intelligence gathering, and training, representing roughly 10% of the Falcon fleet currently in service.