Retirement of the C-160 Gabriel: Strategic Decision and Budgetary Constraints


1. Introduction and Role of the C-160 Gabriel



The C-160 Gabriel aircraft are modified Transall planes designed for signals intelligence (SIGINT), operated since 1989 by the Airborne Electronic Squadron 1/54 "Dunkerque," based in Évreux. Equipped with specialized antennas, pods, and radomes, these aircraft were deployed on various theaters of operations, including Operation Daguet, missions in the Sahel, and along Russia’s flanks in the Black Sea and the Baltic region.

2. Sudden Withdrawal in 2022 Due to Budget Constraints


Originally scheduled to be replaced between 2025 and 2027 by the Falcon "Archange" aircraft, the C-160 Gabriel fleet was retired early in the spring of 2022.
The Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (AAE), General Stéphane Mille, justified the decision, noting that keeping ten Transall aircraft operational cost around €80 million per year, despite an availability rate of barely 20%.
This measure was part of broader financial trade-offs: budget allocations for replenishing the Rafale fleet for Greece and maintaining support for the current aircraft fleet forced the AAE to make cuts elsewhere—leading to the premature retirement of the C-160 Gabriel.

3. Capability Gap Between Two Generations & Interim Measures


The Falcon Archange aircraft—originally expected in 2025 but likely not operational before 2026–2027—were not ready in time.This has created a 3- to 4-year capability gap, a concerning void in France’s airborne SIGINT capability.


To compensate for this gap, several systems have been deployed:

  • ASTAC pods carried by Mirage 2000D fighters (for tactical signal analysis)

  • ALSR "VADOR" aircraft (Beechcraft King Air 350), operational since March 2022

  • Four E-3F AWACS aircraft equipped with electronic support measures (ESM)

  • CERES satellite constellation, with three satellites launched in November 2021

  • MQ-9 Reaper drones equipped with SIGINT payloads, declared operational as of 2023

An interim contract (known as “Solar”) also includes the leasing of a Saab 340 equipped with next-generation SIGINT sensors as a transitional measure.

Beechcraft King Air 350 ALSR "VADOR"

5. Preserving Skills: A Human Challenge


The retirement of the C-160 Gabriel isn't only a technological matter—it’s also about retaining critical expertise. Specialized crews and technicians have been reassigned to ALSR platforms, ASTAC operations, and the preparation of the Archange program.

Looking Ahead to the Archange on the Horizon 2026, the Archange program aims to deliver three modified Falcon 8X aircraft, equipped with Thales’ CUGE (Universal Electronic Warfare Capability), to serve as strategic and tactical replacements for the Gabriel.


The first delivery was initially expected in 2025, but delays have pushed operational availability to 2026–2027.



Conclusion


The early retirement of the two C-160 Gabriel aircraft marks a difficult transition: budgetary constraints and the need to fund other programs (Rafale, Archange) resulted in a multi-year capability gap in French SIGINT operations. Nevertheless, interim solutions—ALSR, ASTAC, satellites, drones, and leased aircraft—have helped preserve core missions and expertise. The Falcon Archange aircraft are expected to fully assume the mission starting in 2026, at the earliest.


I would like to particularly thank the Gendarmes , Army & Air Force personel for their accessibility and kindness, without their accreditations some photos would not have been possible !

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