French Air and Space Force

Baltic Air Policing: On the front line

In the March 2024 issue of Aviation News, Joris van Boven and Alex van Noije report from Lithuania as the Belgian Air Component becomes the latest Baltic Air Policing lead nation, taking on the role from the Italian Air Force

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Mirage 2000-5F pilots score first post-WW2 aerial victories for France

Two French Air and Space Force pilots flying Mirage 2000-5F multi-role fighters have scored the first successful aerial victories against enemy aircraft since the end of World War 2, after the two jets engaged in air-to-air combat with Houthi-operated kamikaze drones over the Red Sea on March 9

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New Saudi Air Warfare Centre hosts Spears of Victory multinational exercise

Exercise Spears of Victory 24 is taking place at King Abdulaziz Air Base in Saudia Arabia, with the RAF sending Typhoons flown by XI (Fighter) Squadron to participate.

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French Mirage 2000-5Fs deploy for fifth Baltic Air Policing mission

For the fifth time since the initiative’s inception in 2004, Mirage 2000-5Fs from the French Air and Space Force have once again deployed to Šiauliai Air Base in Lithuania, where they will support NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission from December 1

France welcomes last of initial batch of Phénix tankers

The French Air and Space Force’s 31 Strategic Air Refuelling and Transport Wing (EARTS) at Istres-Le Tubé Air Base (BA125) took delivery of its 12th A330-243MRTT Phénix tanker-transport from Airbus Defence and Space on September 20

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France hands over first dual-seat Rafale fighter to Croatia

The first dual-seat Dassault Rafale B for the Croatian Air Force was officially handed over during a ceremony at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base (BA118) on October 2, which was attended by Croatian Defence Minister Mario Banožić and other high-ranking political and military personnel

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French and RAF fighter jets scrambled to intercept Ryanair flight

A Ryanair Boeing 737 was intercepted by two French Air and Space Force fighter jets this week and the Royal Air Force (RAF) scrambled a pair of Typhoons to respond, Key.Aero can exclusively reveal.

Kadena aces dispersed ops during Northern Edge 23-2

Exercise Northern Edge 23-2, which was held from July 2-21, gave US forces an opportunity to practise and rehearse Agile Combat Employment capabilities from dispersed locations, and to integrate with the Japan Self-Defense Forces, French Air and Space Force and other allies and partner nations

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The next Exercise Point Blank…dates for the diary

Key.Aero can reveal the next dates for Exercise Point Blank, which in the past has often involved European air forces deploying to RAF Lakenheath.

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RIAT 23: Saab eyes GlobalEye success in South Korea, France and NATO AEW&C bids

Having facilitated the debut appearance of its GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) from July 14-16, Saab shared its hope for export success for the swing-role platform in its ongoing bids with South Korea and NATO, while eyeing France as a prospective customer when it decides to part ways with its E-3F Sentry fleet