VADER completes first African tests
VADER (left of picture) with Rafale. (Photo: French Air and Space Force)
Acclimatisation flights in Djibouti prepare the French airborne ISR platform for its first deployment to Mali.
The first VADER light surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft for the French Air and Space Force completed its first mission from 28 April to 21 May 2021, the French MoD announced on 22 June.
The hot-weather tests in Djibouti ‘made it possible to assess the logistical support and resilience of the equipment in an environment close to its future missions’, the MoD noted.
These ‘future missions’ include deployment to Mali, Shephard recently reported.
VADER (formerly known as ALSR) IS based on the Beechcraft King Air 350 ISR aircraft.
Two were delivered in July 2020 by Sabena Technics and Thales under a contract dating from June 2016. According to Shephard Defence Insight, they are operated by the air force but owned by the French intelligence services.
A third is scheduled for delivery in 2023, and the French Air and Space Force wants eight in all to be in service by 2030.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Strategic Intelligence Aircraft [France]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Air Force to receive extra $1.6 billion for aircraft procurement and modernisation in FY2025]()
US Air Force to receive extra $1.6 billion for aircraft procurement and modernisation in FY2025
The additional fund has been earmarked for fighter jets and transport aircraft efforts.
-
![Sixth African country signs for Super Tucano]()
Sixth African country signs for Super Tucano
The order comes on top of other countries ordering aircraft in 2024, specifically Portugal, Uruguay and Paraguay.
-
![Lessons learned from supplier switching on fast jet fleets]()
Lessons learned from supplier switching on fast jet fleets
How difficult is it for air forces to change aircraft fleets, moving from one defence hemisphere to another?
-
![Italy orders up to 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets]()
Italy orders up to 24 Eurofighter Typhoon jets
The Tranche 4 deliveries will be expected to continue until 2030.
-
![Ireland signs $93 million deal for new utility helicopters]()
Ireland signs $93 million deal for new utility helicopters
Ireland is replacing its ageing EC135 aircraft but is boosting the capability provided with the addition of new sensors which is planned to even provide a light attack role.
