France to Enhance Multi target Detection on Guepard Helicopter with AirMaster C AESA Radar.

According to information published by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) on June 6, 2025, flight testing of the AirMaster C radar, developed by Thales under the DRAGON program, has officially begun on a modified SA330 Puma helicopter serving as a test platform. This new-generation compact radar is expected to play a key role in the surveillance and detection capabilities of the future H160M Guepard light joint helicopter, developed by Airbus Helicopters. The launch of these tests marks a significant step for the French Armed Forces in the modernization of their light aerial assets. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

AirMaster C features a modular design and AI-ready software for autonomous analysis and target classification (Picture source: French MoD)

The DRAGON program (Demonstrator of New Generation Radar) was initiated in 2019 by the Defence Innovation Agency (AID) to equip French forces with an AESA radar that is compact, lightweight, modular, and suitable for integration on low-weight airborne platforms. The resulting system, AirMaster C, is an active electronically scanned array radar operating in the X-band and built with Silicon-Germanium (SiGe) technology. This architecture enables significant reductions in weight, volume, and energy consumption without compromising performance in detection, tracking, or mapping.

Initial flight trials began in May 2025 at the DGA Flight Test Centre in Istres. Conducted jointly by teams from the DGA and Thales, the test campaign aims to evaluate the AirMaster C in realistic operational conditions, simulating mission profiles expected for its deployment on the Guepard. Key areas under assessment include vibration resistance, electromagnetic behavior, thermal stability, and multi-target detection capability in degraded environments. The testing phase also covers validation of avionics interfaces with onboard computers and military-standard data buses.

AirMaster C is characterized by a high level of modularity and an open software architecture. Designed to accommodate artificial intelligence modules, the radar can support functions such as autonomous tactical analysis, machine learning, and automatic target classification based on large radar data volumes. Its advanced onboard processing enables dynamic adjustment of operational modes (tracking, SAR, GMTI, MTI, etc.) according to mission requirements and operational contexts without hardware modification.

The system is also based on mode interleaving technology, allowing simultaneous operation of multiple radar functions without gaps in coverage. This capability supports missions that require continuous situational awareness and immediate responsiveness, including special operations support, armed reconnaissance, and surface threat monitoring. By reducing operator cognitive load, the radar contributes to improved situational processing and faster decision-making in flight.

AirMaster C has been selected to equip the H160M Guepard helicopters intended for the French Navy and the French Air and Space Force. The Guepard, developed by Airbus Helicopters under the Light Joint Helicopter (HIL) program, is designed to rationalize the existing light helicopter fleet across the three French military services while introducing shared and interoperable capabilities. It features a modular architecture, advanced sensors, an evolving mission avionics suite, and reinforced survivability for contested environments.

The 2024–2030 Military Programming Law includes the delivery of 20 H160M helicopters by 2030, out of a total of 169 on order. The French Army’s Light Aviation (ALAT) will receive 80 units for missions such as armed reconnaissance, fire support, special forces infiltration, and command support. The French Navy is to receive 49 helicopters for maritime combat, force protection, special operations, and state action at sea. The French Air and Space Force will operate 40 aircraft for search and rescue (SAR), air surveillance (MASA), and signals intelligence.

The introduction of the AirMaster C radar contributes to the development of domestic airborne sensor capabilities and may offer export opportunities. When paired with the Guepard, it provides a differentiating feature in the category of new-generation multi-role light helicopters. The DRAGON program, aligned with the capability priorities of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, supports the broader transformation of national aerial systems through digital and operational modernization.