French Navy receives first Falcon 2000 LXS Albatros maritime surveillance aircraft

France's defense procurement agency delivered the first Falcon 2000 LXS Albatros maritime-surveillance aircraft to the French Navy under the AVSIMAR programme. The platform combines long endurance with the Searchmaster active electronically scanned radar, Euroflir 410 electro-optical turret, modern communications and provisions for search-and-rescue equipment, replacing aging Falcon surveillance fleets. France has ordered 12 aircraft across successive decisions, with initial operational capability expected after naval testing and crew conversion; delivery of the first airframe starts qualification and training rather than immediately providing the complete planned fleet.