First DGA TBM 940 !

In November 2020, the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) signed a €21.8 million contract with Daher Aerospace for the acquisition of four TBM 940 turboprops. These aircraft were intended to modernize the fleet at DGA Flight Testing, the agency's flight test center.

The first TBM 940 was officially delivered on October 21, 2021, to Daher's final assembly line in Tarbes, France. The DGA has acquired a total of four TBM 940s, replacing three aging TBM 700s in service since 1992.

A Modern and High-Performance Aircraft


Certified in 2019, the TBM 940 is one of the fastest single-engine turboprops in the world, capable of reaching a cruise speed of 330 knots (610 km/h) and offering a range of nearly 3,200 kilometers. It can carry up to six passengers, making it an ideal aircraft for rapid transportation between military sites and test centers.

Equipped with a modern Garmin G3000 cockpit, the TBM 940 also features advanced pilot assistance technologies, including the HomeSafe™ emergency autoland system, which can autonomously land the aircraft in case the pilot becomes incapacitated.



Brand new tbm in Toussus le noble for a liason flight during the 14 july celebration, from istres ( with the temporary registration ont the windows )

Operational Use by DGA Flight Testing


The DGA operates these aircraft through its DGA Essais en vol (Flight Test Center), primarily based in Istres and Cazaux. The TBM 940 is used for a wide range of missions, including:

  • Rapid transport between DGA and Ministry of Armed Forces sites

  • Logistical support for aerial test campaigns

  • Transportation of technical personnel and lightweight equipment

  • And occasionally, testing of sensors and embedded systems.

The choice of the TBM 940 enables the DGA to benefit from an aircraft that is cost-effective, versatile, and domestically produced—in line with the strategic direction of the French Ministry of Armed Forces.



By selecting the TBM 940, the DGA actively supports the French aerospace industry, and in particular the company Daher, which assembles the aircraft in Tarbes, in the Hautes-Pyrénées region. This procurement reinforces France’s technological sovereignty in the field of high-performance light aircraft.




Conclusion

The DGA’s TBM 940 fleet is a prime example of successful synergy between the operational needs of the military, the capabilities of the national aerospace sector, and the technological progress in light aviation. Their use reflects a commitment to efficiency, modernization, and strategic autonomy—core values at the heart of the DGA’s mission.



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