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{{Short description|Air and space warfare branch of France's armed forces}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2016}}
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Air and Space Force
| native_name = {{lang|fr|Armée de l'air et de l'espace}}
| image = Logo de l'Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace.svg
| image_size = 200px
| caption =
| start_date = 2 July 1934<br />({{age in years and days|1934|07|02|df=y}} ago)
| country = {{flag|France}}
| allegiance =
| branch =
| type = [[Air force|Air]] and [[space force]]
| role = [[Aerial warfare|Aerial]] and [[space warfare]]
| size = {{ubl |38,882 active duty personnel (2023) <br />5,239 [[civil service|civilians]] (2023)
|520 aircraft
|41 satellites}}
| command_structure = [[French Armed Forces]]
| garrison = [[Hexagone Balard]], [[Paris]]
| garrison_label =
| nickname =
| patron =
| motto =
| colours = Blue, white, red<br />{{legend2|#1e64b4|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}{{legend2|#ffffff|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}{{legend2|#c80000|border=1px solid #AAAAAA}}
| colours_label =
| march =
| mascot =
| anniversaries = 2 July
| equipment =
| equipment_label =
| battles = * [[World War I]]
* [[World War II]]
* [[Indochina War]]
* [[Algerian War]]
* [[Chadian–Libyan conflict]]
* [[Gulf War]]
* [[Operation Provide Comfort]]
* [[Operation Southern Watch]]
* [[January 1993 airstrikes on Iraq]]
* [[Operation Deny Flight]]
* [[Operation Deliberate Force]]
* [[Kosovo War]]
* [[War in Afghanistan]]
* [[Opération Harmattan]]
* [[Military intervention against ISIL]]
* [[Operation Serval]]
* [[Operation Barkhane]]
| decorations =
| battle_honours =
| battle_honours_label =
| flying_hours =
| website = [https://www.defense.gouv.fr/air defense.gouv.fr/air]
| commander1 = [[President of France|President]] [[Emmanuel Macron]]
| commander1_label = [[Chief of the Armed Forces (France)|Chief of the Armed Forces]]
| commander2 = [[Général d'armée aérienne]] {{ill|Jérôme Bellanger|fr}}
| commander2_label = [[Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force]]
| notable_commanders = <!-- Insignia -->
| identification_symbol = [[File:Roundel of France.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_label = [[Military aircraft insignia|Roundel]]
| identification_symbol_2 = [[File:Fin Flash of France.svg|80px]]
| identification_symbol_2_label = [[Fin flash]]
<!-- Aircraft -->| aircraft_attack =
| aircraft_bomber =
| aircraft_electronic = [[E-3 Sentry]]
| aircraft_fighter = [[Rafale]], [[Mirage 2000]]
| aircraft_helicopter = [[AS532 Cougar]], [[Eurocopter Fennec|Fennec]], [[Eurocopter EC725|EC725 Caracal]]
| aircraft_helicopter_attack =
| aircraft_helicopter_cargo =
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =
| aircraft_helicopter_observation =
| aircraft_helicopter_trainer =
| aircraft_helicopter_utility =
| aircraft_interceptor =
| aircraft_patrol =
| aircraft_recon =
| aircraft_trainer = [[Alpha Jet]], [[Pilatus PC-21|PC-21]], [[SOCATA TBM]], [[Extra EA-300]], [[Embraer EMB 121 Xingu|EMB 121 Xingu]]
| aircraft_transport = [[Lockheed C-130]], [[Airbus A310]], [[Airbus A330]], [[Airbus A400M]], [[Dassault Falcon 7X]], [[Dassault Falcon 900]], [[Dassault Falcon 2000]], [[Boeing KC-135|Boeing C-135FR]], [[Socata TBM-700]]
| aircraft_tanker = [[Airbus A330 MRTT]], [[Airbus A400M]]
| aircraft_general =
}}
The '''French Air and Space Force''' ({{langx|fr|Armée de l'air et de l'espace}}, {{IPA|fr|aʁme d(ə) lɛʁ e d(ə) lɛspas|pron}}, {{literal translation|Army of Air and Space}}) is the [[air force|air]] and [[space force]] of the [[French Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/air|title=Armée de l'Air et de I'Espace|website=defense.gouv.fr|date=10 March 2022 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> Formed in 1909 as the '''{{lang|fr|Service Aéronautique}}''' ("Aeronautical Service"), a service arm of the [[French Army]], it became an independent military branch in 1934 as the '''French Air Force''' ({{lang|fr|Armée de l'air}}). On 10 September 2020, it assumed its current name, the French Air and Space Force, to reflect an "evolution of its mission" into the area of [[outer space]].<ref name="aviation24.be">{{cite web|url=https://www.aviation24.be/military-aircraft/french-air-force/france-goodbye-air-army-hello-air-and-space-army/|title = France: Goodbye Air Force, hello Air and Space Force|date = 12 September 2020}}</ref>
The number of aircraft in service with the French Air and Space Force varies depending on the source; the [[Ministry of Armed Forces (France)|Ministry of Armed Forces]] gives a figure of 658 aircraft in 2014.<ref>[http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/290329/3770640/file/Annuaire%20statistique%20de%20la%20défense%202013-2014.pdf "Annuaire statistique de la défense 2013–2014"] {{in lang|fr}}. 10 July 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/210241/2333433/file/Annuaire%20statistiques%20de%20la%20défense%202012-2013.pdf "Annuaire statistiques de la défense 2012–2013"]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001041903/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/210241/2333433/file/Annuaire%20statistiques%20de%20la%20d%C3%A9fense%202012-2013.pdf |date=1 October 2013}} {{in lang|fr}}. 4 June 2013.</ref> According to 2025 data, this figure includes 207 combat aircraft: 99 [[Dassault Mirage 2000]] and 108 [[Dassault Rafale]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Military Database |url=https://www.scramble.nl/database/military |access-date=2025-06-10 |website=www.scramble.nl}}</ref> {{As of|2021|post=,}} the French Air and Space Force employs a total of 40,500 regular personnel, with a [[military reserve forces of France|reserve element]] of 5,187 in 2014.<ref name="Key figures in 2014">{{cite web |url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/302626/4023685/file/Chiffres%20cl%C3%A9s%20de%20la%20D%C3%A9fense%20-%202014%20(GB).pdf |title=Key defence figures 2014 |language=fr |publisher=Defense.gouv.fr |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213014855/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/302626/4023685/file/Chiffres%20cl%C3%A9s%20de%20la%20D%C3%A9fense%20-%202014%20%28GB%29.pdf |archive-date=13 December 2014 |df=dmy}}</ref>
The [[Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force]] (CEMAAE) is a direct subordinate of the [[Chief of the Defence Staff (France)|Chief of the Defence Staff]] (CEMA), a high-ranking military officer who in turn answers to the civilian [[Minister of the Armed Forces (France)|Minister of the Armed Forces]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/organisation-AAE|title=L'organisation de l'armée de l'Air et de l'Espace|website=defense.gouv.fr|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
{{French military}}
==History==
{{Main|History of the Armée de l'Air (1909–1942)|History of the Armée de l'Air (colonial presence 1939–1962)}}
===
==== Establishment of the {{lang|fr|Service Aéronautique}} ====
The founding of the {{lang|fr|Service Aéronautique}} began in 1909, when the French War Minister approved the purchase of a [[Wright B]]iplane. The following year, another Wright biplane, a [[Blériot Aéronautique|Bleriot]], and two [[Farman]]s were added to the lone acquisition. On 22 October 1910, General [[Pierre Roques]] was appointed [[Inspector General]] of what was becoming referred to as the Cinquieme Arme, or Fifth Service.<ref name=front84>''Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918'', p. 84</ref>
In March 1912, the French parliament enacted legislation to establish the air arm. It was projected to consist of three distinct branches based on aircraft missions—reconnaissance, bombing, or countering other aircraft.<ref name=front84/>
==== Inventing the fighter plane ====
[[French Third Republic|France]] was one of the first states to start building aircraft. At the beginning of [[World War I]], France had a total of 148 planes (eight from [[French Naval Aviation]] ({{lang|fr|Aéronautique Navale}})) and 15 [[airship]]s.<ref name="Lavauzelle 2005, pages 36,42">''History of light aviation of the French Army 1794–2008'', Lavauzelle, Collection of History, Memory and Patrimony, Général André Martini, 2005, Paris, pages 36,42, {{ISBN|2-7025-1277-1}}</ref>
In August 1914, as France entered World War I, French airpower consisted of 24 squadrons ({{lang|fr|escadrilles}}) supporting ground forces, including three squadrons assigned to cavalry units. By 8 October, expansion to 65 squadrons was being planned. By December, the plans called for 70 new squadrons.<ref name=front84/>
Meanwhile, even as procurement efforts scaled up, inventive airmen were trying to use various light weapons against opposing airplanes. [[Roland Garros (aviator)|Roland Garros]] invented a crude method of firing a machine gun through the propeller arc by cladding his propeller with metal wedges deflecting any errant bullets. After destroying three German airplanes, Garros came down behind enemy lines on 18 April 1915. His secret weapon was thus exposed, and [[Anthony Fokker]] came up with the [[synchronization gear]] that [[Kurt Wintgens#First victory using a synchronized gun|by July 1, 1915]], turned airplanes into flying gun platforms.<ref name=front8485>''Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918'', pp. 84–85</ref>
[[File:COmpagnie d'aviateurs.jpg|thumb|200px|"Company of aviators", September 1914, by [[Jules Gervais-Courtellemont]]]]
[[File:C02797Watt1915.jpg|thumb|200px|French aircraft during [[World War I]], flying over German held territory (1915)]]
[[File:NiD.29 du 33e RAM.jpg|thumb|200px|Nieuport-Delage NiD.29 C.1 fighter used in the early post-WWI period.]]
==== Founding fighter formations ====
On 21 February 1916, the [[Verdun Offensive]] began. New weapons demanded new tactics. [[Commandant]] [[Charles de Tricornet de Rose]] was the original French pilot, having learned to fly in March 1911. This experienced flier was given a free hand to select pilots and airplanes for a new unit tasked with keeping German observation craft from over the French lines. The [[ad hoc]] unit commandeered all available [[Morane-Saulnier]]s and [[Nieuport 11]]s, as well as the 15 best pilots regardless of posting. This [[ad hoc]] unit patrolling the skies over Verdun was the first French {{lang|fr|Groupement de Chasse}}. The {{lang|fr|Groupement}} was successful despite Tricornet's death in a mishap. Under the leadership of new commander Captain Auguste de Reverand, such [[flying ace]]s as [[Georges Guynemer]], [[Charles Nungesser]], and [[Albert Deullin]] began their careers.<ref name=front85>''Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918'', p. 85</ref>
Encouraged by the success of their original {{lang|fr|Groupement}}, the French massed several squadrons for the [[Battle of the Somme]]. The burgeoning French aircraft inventory afforded the formation of {{lang|fr|Groupement de Combat de la Somme}} under Captain [[Felix Brocard]]. The {{lang|fr|Groupement}} was formed on 1 July 1916 with a posting of four Nieuport squadrons: [[Escadrille 3|Squadron N.3]], [[Escadrille 26|N.26]], [[Escadrille 73|N.73]], and [[Escadrille 103|N.103]]. Three other squadrons--[[Escadrille 37|Squadron N.37]], [[Escadrille 62|N.62]], and [[Escadrille 65|N.65]] were temporarily attached at various times.<ref name=front85/>
On 19 October 1916, three fixed {{lang|fr|Groupes de Combat}} were established, each to consist of four squadron. Numbered [[Groupe de Combat 11|11]], [[Groupe de Combat 12|12]], and [[Groupe de Combat 13|13]], they were only the first three {{lang|fr|Groupements}}.<ref name=front85/>
==== Concentrating airpower ====
During March 1917, {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 14}} and {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 15}} were formed. Again, each new {{lang|fr|Groupe}} was assigned four Nieuport fighter squadrons; again, each was sent to support a different French [[field army]].<ref name=front85/>
On 10 January 1918, {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 16}} was formed from four [[Société pour l'aviation et ses dérivés|SPAD]] squadrons. In February, five more {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combats}} were founded from SPAD squadrons: {{lang|fr|Groupes de Combats}} number 17, 18, 19, 20, and 21. The various Nieuport models were now being phased out as the new SPADs filled the inventories of the French.<ref>''Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918'', pp. 85–86</ref>
With the {{lang|fr|Groupes}} success, the French were encouraged to amass airpower into still larger tactical units. On 4 February 1918, {{lang|fr|Escadre de Combat No. 1}} was created out of {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 15}}, {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 18}}, and {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 19}}. It was followed by {{lang|fr|Escadre de Combat No. 2}}, formed on the 27th from {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 11}}, {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 13}}, and {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 17}}. Each {{lang|fr|groupe}} would be stocked with 72 fighters.<ref name=front86>''Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918'', p. 86</ref>
The {{lang|fr|escadres}} were not the end of the French accumulation of air power. On 14 May 1918, they were grouped into the {{lang|fr|Division Aerienne}}. As bombing aircraft were also being concentrated into larger units, the new division would also contain {{lang|fr|Escadre de Bombardement No. 12}} and {{lang|fr|Escadre de Bombardement No. 13}}. The bombing units were both equipped with 45 [[Breguet 14]] bombers. The last addition to the new division was five protection squadrons, operating 75 [[Caudron R.11]] gunships to fly escort for the Breguets.<ref name=front86/>
On 25 June 1918, {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 22}} was founded. {{lang|fr|Groupe de Combat 23}} followed soon thereafter. A couple of night bombardment {{lang|fr|groupes}} were also founded.<ref name=front8687>''Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918'', pp. 86–87</ref>
==== Committing the ''Division Aerienne'' ====
Then, on 15 July 1918, the Division was committed to the [[Second Battle of the Marne]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr/fr/1918-la-deuxieme-bataille-de-la-marne-27-mai-6-aout|title=1918: la deuxième bataille de la Marne (27 mai – 6 août)|website=Chemins de Momoire|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> From then on, whether in whole or in part, the {{lang|fr|Division Aerienne}} fought until war's end. By the time of the [[Battle of Saint-Mihiel]], the French could commit 27 fighter squadrons to the effort, along with reconnaissance and bombing squadrons. The 1,137 airplanes dedicated to the battle were the most numerous used in a World War I battle.<ref name=front87>''Over the Front: The Complete Record of the Fighter Aces and Units of the United States and French Air Services, 1914–1918'', p. 87</ref>
When the 11 November 1918 armistice came, French air power had expanded to 336 squadrons, 74 of which were SPAD fighter squadrons. France had 3,608 planes in service.<ref name="Lavauzelle 2005, pages 36,42"/> Confirmed claims of 2,049 destroyed enemy airplanes included 307 that had been brought down within French lines. French airmen had also destroyed 357 [[observation balloon]]s.<ref name=front87/> However, 5,500 [[Aircraft pilot|pilots]] and [[air observer|observers]] were killed out of the 17,300 engaged in the conflict, amounting to 31%.<ref>[http://www.hydroretro.net/etudegh/glevy.pdf Les hydravions Georges Lévy] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005231902/http://www.hydroretro.net/etudegh/glevy.pdf |date=5 October 2018}}, Hydroplanes Georges Lévy, Gérard Hartmann, 2011, The Schneider cup and veteran hydroplanes.</ref> A 1919 newspaper article reported that the French Air Force had suffered losses of 61%.<ref name="French Airmen Suffered Most">{{cite news| url=https://chroniclingamerica.loc.gov/lccn/sn83045433/1919-12-21/ed-1/seq-1/| title=French Airmen Suffered Most| newspaper=The Washington Herald| date=21 December 1919| agency=Library of Congress| access-date=21 December 2019}}</ref>
=== Interwar period ===
[[File:Dewoitine BA 112.JPG|thumb|left|Dewoitine D.510 monoplane fighters from the mid-1930s]]
Military aeronautics was established as a "special arm" by the law of 8 December 1922.<ref>[http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k64542845/f2.item.r=a%C3%A9ronautique Journal Officiel de la République Française of 9 December 1922] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231052606/http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bpt6k64542845/f2.item.r=a%C3%A9ronautique |date=31 December 2017}}, Law on the creation of the Aeronautics Arm on 8 December 1922 published in JO on 9 December 1922, BNF-Gallica, gallica.bnf.fr</ref> It remained under the auspices of the [[French Army]]. It was not until 2 July 1934, that the "special arm" became an independent service and was totally independent.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/en/passion/news/book-new-history-of-the-french-air-force/|title=Book: "New History of the French Air Force"|date=May 21, 2021|website=Dassult Aviation|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref>
The initial air arm was the cradle of [[List of French paratrooper units|French military parachuting]], responsible for the first formation of the [[1st Parachute Chasseur Regiment|Air Infantry Groups]] ({{lang|fr|Groupements de l'Infanterie de l'Air}}) in the 1930s, out of which the Air Parachute Commandos ({{lang|fr|commandos parachutistes de l'air}}) descended.
The French Air Force maintained a continuous presence across the [[French colonial empire]], particularly from the 1920s to 1943.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr/en/colonised-soldiers-french-empire|title=Les soldats colonisés de I'Empire français (19e–20e siècles)|website=Chemins de Mèmoire|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/display/document/obo-9780199791279/obo-9780199791279-0113.xml|title=French Military, 1919–1940|date=November 29, 2018|website=Oxford Biographies|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref>
=== World War II ===
The French Air Force played an important role in WWII, most notably during the [[Battle of France]] in 1940. The [[Vichy French Air Force]] had later a significant presence in the [[Army of the Levant|French Levant]].
The engagement of the [[Free French Air Forces]] from 1940 to 1943, and then the engagement of the aviators of the [[French Liberation Army]], were also important episodes in the history of the French Air Force. The sacrifices of [[Commandant (rank)|Commandant]] [[René Mouchotte]] and [[Lieutenant]] [[Marcel Beau]] illustrated their devotion.
=== 1945–present ===
[[File:NA T28 Fennec.jpg|thumb|left|200px|A [[North American T-28 Trojan]], used against guerrillas during the Algerian War]]
After 1945, France rebuilt its aircraft industry. The French Air Force participated in several [[French colonial empire|colonial wars]] during the Empire such as [[French Indochina]] after the Second World War. Since 1945, the French Air Force was notably engaged in [[First Indochina War|Indochina]] (1945–1954).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://pacificwrecks.com/douglas/articles/french/index.html|title=French Air Force in the Pacific War|last=Douglas|first=John|website=Pacific Wrecks|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Top_News/2024/04/21/On-This-Day-US-transports-French-troops-in-First-Indochina-War/8161713642652/|title=On This Day: U.S. transports French troops in First Indochina War|date=April 21, 2024|website=[[United Press International]]|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/focus/20240206-seventy-years-after-first-indochina-war-french-relatives-still-searching-for-missing-pilot|title=Seventy years after First Indochina War, French relatives still searching for missing pilot|date=June 2, 2024|website=France24.com|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
The French Air Force was active in [[Algeria War|Algeria]] from 1952 until 1962 and [[Suez Crisis|Suez]] (1956), later [[Mauritania]] and [[Chad]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/en/le-monde-africa/article/2023/10/17/driven-out-of-niger-the-french-army-takes-refuge-in-chad-paris-s-last-ally-in-the-sahel_6179914_124.html|title=Driven out of Niger, the French Army takes refuge in Chad, Paris's last ally in the Sahel|last=Valade|first=Carol|date=October 17, 2023|website=lemonade.fr|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190204-france-chad-air-strikes-convoy-libya|title=French air strikes target convoy entering Chad from Libya|date=April 2, 2019|website=france24.com|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2024/03/08/french-troops-stay-chad/|title=French Troops to Stay in Chad: Macron Envoy|date=March 8, 2024|website=The Defense Post|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> the [[Persian Gulf]] (1990–1991),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr/fr/la-france-dans-la-guerre-du-golfe|title=La France Dans la guerre du Golfe|website=Chemins de Mémoire|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> ex-[[Yugoslav Wars|Yugoslavia]]<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/daily/sept99/airwar20.htm|title=France Played Skeptic on Kosovo Attacks|last=Priest|first=Dana|date=September 20, 1999|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr/en/france-balkans|title=La France dans les Balkans|website=Chemin de Memoire|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> and more recently in [[Afghanistan]], [[Mali]] and [[Iraq]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://warontherocks.com/2018/09/remembering-the-french-war-in-afghanistan/|title=Remembering The French War In Afghanistan|last=Schmitt|first=Oliver|date=September 10, 2018|website=War on the Rocks|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sldinfo.com/2021/08/the-french-air-evacuation-mission-in-afghanistan/|title=The French Air Evaluation Mission in Afghanistan|date=August 16, 2021|website=sldinfo.com|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2019/01/17/france-air-operations-mali-central-african-republic/|title=France conducts air operations in Mali and Central African Republic|last=Kelly|first=Fergus|date=January 17, 2019|website=The Defense Post|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-56580589|title=UN inquiry finds French air strike killed Mali civilians|date=March 30, 2021|website=[[BBC News]]|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2022/02/11/iraq-seeks-french-drones-and-jets-additional-russian-tanks/|title=Iraq seeks French drones and jets, additional Russian tanks|last=Helou|first=Agnes|date=February 11, 2022|website=[[Defense News]]|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/secret-behind-french-interest-iraq-geostrategic-analysis|title=The Secret Behind the French Interest in Iraq: A Geostrategic Analysis|last=Dagher|first=Munqith|date=September 23, 2021|website=csis.org|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref>
From 1964 until 1971 the French Air Force had the unique responsibility for the [[Force de dissuasion|French nuclear arm]] via [[Dassault Mirage IV]] or [[ballistic missiles]] of Air Base 200 Apt-Saint-Christol on the Plateau d'Albion.
[[File:Dassault Mirage IIIC, France - Air Force AN0695826.jpg|thumb|left|240px|[[Dassault Mirage III|Mirage IIIC]] of [[EC 2/10 "Seine"]] pictured in 1980 armed with a Matra [[R.530]]]]
Accordingly, from 1962, the French political leadership shifted its military emphasis to [[Force de dissuasion|nuclear deterrence]], implementing a complete reorganisation of the Air Force, with the creation of four air regions and seven major specialised commands, among which were the [[Strategic Air Forces Command]], COTAM, the Air Command of Aerial Defense Forces ({{lang|fr|[[Commandement Air des Forces de Défense Aérienne]]}}, CAFDA), and the {{lang|fr|Force aérienne tactique}} (FATac).<ref>Young(ed),"Command in NATO after the Cold War", 96.</ref> In 1964, the Second Tactical Air Command was created in [[Nancy, France|Nancy]] to take command of air units stationed in France but not assigned to [[NATO]]. The [[Military Air Transport Command]] had previously been formed in February 1962 from the {{lang|fr|Groupement d'Unités Aériennes Spécialisées}}. Also created in 1964 was the {{lang|fr|Escadron des [[Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air]]}} (EFCA), seemingly grouping all FCA units. The [[Dassault Mirage IV]], the principal French strategic bomber, was designed to strike Soviet positions as part of the French [[nuclear triad]].
In 1985, the Air Force had four major flying commands, the [[Strategic Air Forces Command]], the Tactical Air Forces Command, the [[Military Air Transport Command]], and CAFDA (air defence).<ref>{{cite book |last1=Isby |first1=David |last2=Kamps |first2=Charles |year=1985 |title=Armies of NATO's Central Front |___location=London |publisher=Jane's Publishing Company |pages=168–170 |isbn=978-0-7106-0341-8}}</ref>
[[File:Two French air force Dassault Mirage F1C aircraft.jpg|thumb|right|260px|A 1986 view of a [[Dassault Mirage F1|Mirage F1]] from the [[Escadron de Chasse 2/30 Normandie-Niemen]] and another from the [[Escadron de Chasse 3/30 Lorraine]], both armed with [[R.530|Matra R.530]] missiles. Squadron insignias are visible on the two aircraft.]]
CFAS had two [[1st Strategic Missiles Groupment (France)|squadrons]] of [[S2 (missile)|S2]] and [[S3 (missile)|S-3 IRBM]]s at the Plateau d'Albion, six squadrons of [[Mirage IV]]As (at [[Mont de Marsan]], Cazaux, Orange, Istres, St Dizier, and EB 3/94 at [[Luxeuil - Saint-Sauveur Air Base]]), and three squadrons of [[Boeing C-135 Stratolifter#C-135F|C-135F]], as well as a training/reconnaissance unit, CIFAS 328, at [[Bordeaux]]. The tactical air command included wings EC 3, EC 4, EC 7, EC 11, EC 13, and ER 33, with a total of 19 squadrons of Mirage III, Jaguars, two squadrons flying the [[Mirage 5]]F (EC 2/13 and EC 3/13, both at [[Colmar – Meyenheim Air Base|Colmar]]), and a squadron flying the [[Mirage F.1]]CR. CoTAM counted 28 squadrons, of which ten were fixed-wing transport squadrons, and the remainder helicopter and liaison squadrons, at least five of which were overseas. CAFDA numbered 14 squadrons mostly flying the [[Mirage F.1]]C. Two other commands had flying units, the [[Air Force Training Command (France)|Air Force Training Command]], and the Air Force Transmissions Command, with four squadrons and three trials units.
[[Dassault Aviation]] led the way mainly with [[delta-wing]] designs, which formed the basis for the [[Dassault Mirage III]] series of [[fighter jets]]. The Mirage demonstrated its abilities in the [[Six-Day War]], [[Yom Kippur War]], [[Falklands War]], and [[Gulf War]], becoming one of the most popular jet fighters of its day and being widely sold.
In 1994, the {{Lang|fr|[[Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air]]|italic=no}} command was reestablished under a different form.
[[File:Mirage 2000C in-flight 2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000]] in flight]]
[[File:Logo de l'Armée de l'air de 1989 à 2010.svg|thumb|200px|Logo between 1989 and 2010]]
The French Air Force entered a phase of inventory replacement and expansion. The Air Force ordered the [[Airbus A400M]] military transport aircraft, then in development. By November 2016, 11 had already been delivered to ET00.061 at Orleans-Bricy, and integration of the new [[Dassault Rafale]] multi-role jet fighter was underway; the first 20-aircraft squadron became operational in 2006 at [[Saint-Dizier]].
In 2009, France rejoined the [[NATO Military Command Structure]], having been absent since 1966.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080618161517/http://sweetness-light.com/archive/sarkozy-confirms-france-will-rejoin-nato "Sarkozy confirmed that France will soon return to NATO's integrated command"] 17 June 2008</ref> France was a leading nation, alongside the [[United States]], [[United Kingdom]] and [[Italy]] in implementing the UN sponsored no-fly zone in Libya (NATO [[Operation Unified Protector]]), deploying 20 fighter aircraft to Benghazi in defense of rebel-held positions and the civilian population.<ref>[http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/190042/2094793/file/Rapport%20Védrine_GBR_DEU.pdf "Report Hubert Védrine"] 12 November 2012 (in English)</ref>
The last remaining squadron of [[Dassault Mirage F1]]s retired the aircraft in July 2014 and replaced them with [[Dassault Rafale]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/france-retires-last-mirage-f1s/113543.article|title=France retires last Mirage F1s|date=June 18, 2014|website=Flight Global|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
[[File:Logo of the French Air Force (Armee de l'Air).svg|thumb|200px|Logo between 2010 and 2020]]
On 13 July 2019, President [[Emmanuel Macron]] announced the creation of a space command, which would come into being within the French Air Force by September 2019, and the transformation of the French Air Force into the French Air and Space Force.<ref>{{cite web |title=French President Emmanuel Macron announces creation of French space force |website=[[USA Today]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601185212/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/07/13/french-space-force-macron-announces-creation-space-force-command/1723998001/ |archive-date=2023-06-01 |url-status=live |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2019/07/13/french-space-force-macron-announces-creation-space-force-command/1723998001/}}</ref> According to Defense Minister [[Florence Parly]], France reserves the right to arm French satellites with [[laser]]s for defensive purposes.<ref>[https://www.euronews.com/2019/07/26/may-the-force-be-with-vous-france-unveils-space-weapons-plan 'May the force be with vous’: France unveils space weapons plan]</ref>
The official renaming occurred on 24 July 2020, with the new Air and Space Force logo unveiled on 11 September 2020.<ref name="aviation24.be"/>
On 26 July 2023, FASF conducted its first ever joint fighter exercise with [[Japan Air Self-Defense Force|Japan]], continuing its defense ties between the two countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/07/26/japan/japan-france-first-fighter-jet-exercises/|title=France and Japan expand defense ties with first joint fighter jet drills|last=Dominguez|first=Gabriel|date=July 23, 2023|website=[[The Japan Times]]|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
==Structure==
[[File:André Lanata - Cérémonie présentation et de passation du drapeau à la promotion 2016 X 2016.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Général d'armée aérienne [[André Lanata]], former chief of staff of the French Air Force]]
The [[Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force]] (CEMAAE) determines French Air and Space Force [[Military doctrine|doctrines]] application and advises the [[Chief of the Defence Staff (France)|Chief of the Defence Staff]] (CEMA) on the deployment, manner, and use of the Air and Space Force. They are responsible for the preparation and logistic support of the French Air and Space Force. The CEMAA is assisted by a Deputy Chief, the {{lang|fr|Major Général de l'Armée de l'Air}}, who is the Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Forces Staff. Finally, the CEMAA is assisted by the Inspectorate of the French Air and Space Force (IAA) and by the French Air and Space Force Health Service Inspection (ISSAA).
The Air and Space Force is organized in accordance with Chapter 4, Title II, Book II of the Third Part of the French Defense Code ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:code de la Défense|code de la Défense]]}}), which replaced decree n° 91-672 dated 14 July 1991.
Under the authority of the [[Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force]] (CEMAAE) in [[Paris]], the Air and Space Force includes:
* [[Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force]], heading the {{lang|fr|État-major de l'Armee de l'air et de l'espace}} (EMAAE)
* Forces
* Air Bases
* Directorate of Human Resources of the French Air and Space Force
* Services<ref name="auto">Légifrance, base CDEF(R), numéro R3224-8, Code de la Défense, Art. R.3224-8</ref>
The Air and Space Force headquarters, employing 150 personnel, are located alongside the [[Chief of the Defence Staff (France)|Chief of the Defence Staff]]'s offices (EMA) and the Army and Navy headquarters at the [[Hexagone Balard|Balard]] armed forces complex in Paris. The new site replaced the former [[Paris Air Base]] (BA 117) which served as air staff headquarters until 25 June 2015.
=== Air and Space Army Staff ===
The Air and Space Army Staff (''État-major de l'Armée de l'air et de l'espace'') is the highest service-specific authority of the French air force. It is formally under the command of the Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force (CEMAAE), but the organisation is under the direct authority of his deputy, the Major General of the Air and Space Force (''major général de l'Armée de l'air et de l'espace'' (MGAAE), in the French military tradition a 'Major General' is not a military rank, but the designation of Chief of Staff of a high command.)
Organisation:<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-30 |title=Organigramme Armée de l'air et de l'espace 2024-2025 |url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/air/Organigramme%20Arm%C3%A9e%20de%20l%27air%20et%20de%20l%27espace%202024-2025.pdf |access-date=2025-03-30}}</ref>
'''Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Force (CEMAAE)''', the chief of the French Air and Space Force, officer in the rank of General of Air Army (a full General equivalent)
* Director of the Aeronautical Industrial Service (''Directeur du Service industriel de l’aéronautique'' (SIAé)) in charge of the overhaul of all aerial vehicles of the French Armed Forces (the Air and Space Force, the naval aviation, the army aviation and the gendarmerie), officer in the rank of a General Engineer for Armament First Class (a Major-General equivalent)
* Commandant of the Air and Space Gendarmerie (''Commandant de la gendarmerie de l'air et de l'espace'' (GAE)), the chief of the French Air and Space Force military police force, officer in the rank of a General of Brigade (a Brigadier General equivalent)
'''Major General of the Air and Space Force (MGAAE)''', officer in the rank of General of Air Corps (a Lieutenant-General equivalent)
* directly subordinate:
** forces (formerly part of the Air Forces Command. With its transformation into the Territorial Command of the Air and Space Force they were detached and put under direct subordination of the Chief of Staff):
*** Commandant of the Air Force Brigade of Fighter Aviation (BAAC) ([[Nancy – Ochey Air Base]]) ({{langx|fr|Brigade Aérienne de l'Aviation de Chasse}} (BAAC)), is responsible for all air defense, air-to-ground and reconnaissance aircraft (including [[Dassault Rafale]], Mirage 2000-5F, Mirage 2000B/C/D, [[Transall C-160]] Gabriel). Commanded by an officer in the rank of a General of Air Brigade (a Brigadier General equivalent). With the creation of the BACEA on the basis of the former BACE brigade, its surface-to-air missile units were transferred to the fighter brigade.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lagneau |first=Laurent |date=2023-02-25 |title=L'armée de l'Air et de l'Espace veut renforcer la synergie entre l'aviation de chasse et la défense sol-Air |url=https://www.opex360.com/2023/02/25/larmee-de-lair-et-de-lespace-veut-renforcer-la-synergie-entre-laviation-de-chasse-et-la-defense-sol-air/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=Zone Militaire |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
**** Fighter units:
***** 2nd Fighter Wing (''2e escadre de chasse'')(BA 116 Luxeuil-Saint Sauveur Air Base)
****** Fighter Squadron 1/2 ''Cigognes'' (''Escadron de chasse 1/2 Cigognes'', flying Mirage 2000-5F)
***** 3rd Fighter Wing (''3e escadre de chasse'')(BA 133 Nancy-Ochey Air Base)
****** Fighter Squadron 1/3 ''Navarre'' (''Escadron de chasse 1/3 Navarre'', fighter-bomber squadron flying Mirage 2000D)
****** Fighter Squadron 2/3 ''Champagne'' (''Escadron de chasse 2/3 Champagne'', the French Air and Space Force's Mirage 2000 OCU, flying Mirage 2000D and B)
****** Fighter Squadron 3/3 ''Ardennes'' (''Escadron de chasse 3/3 Ardennes'', fighter-bomber squadron flying Mirage 2000D)
***** 30th Fighter Wing (''30e escadre de chasse'')(BA 118 Mont-de-Marsan Air Base)
****** Fighter and Experimentation Squadron 1/30 ''Côte d'Argent'' (''Escadron de chasse et d'expérimentation 1/30 Côte d'Argent'', the French Air and Space Force's fighter OEU squadron flying Rafale and Mirage 2000)
****** Fighter Squadron 2/30 ''Normandie-Niémen'' (''Régiment de chasse 2/30 Normandie-Niémen'', flying Rafale, called ''Fighter Regiment'' [[Fighter Squadron 2/30 Normandie-Niemen|out of tradition]])
****** Fighter Squadron 3/30 ''Lorraine'' (''Escadron de Chasse 3/30 Lorraine'', flying Rafale)
***** 5th Fighter Wing (''5e escadre de chasse'')(BA 115 Orange-Caritat Air Base)
****** Fighter Squadron 1/5 ''Vendée'' (Escadron de chasse 1/5 Vendée, flying Rafale)
***** 8th Fighter Wing (''8e escadre de chasse'')(BA 120 Cazaux Air Base)
****** Training Squadron 3/8 ''Côte d'Or'' (''Escadron d'entraînement 3/8 Côte d'Or'', the French Air and Space Force's aggressor squadron flying Alpha Jet)
***** Separate squadrons:
****** Rafale Conversion Squadron 3/4 ''Aquitaine'' (''Escadron de Transformation Rafale 3/4 Aquitaine'' (the combined air force / navy Rafale OCU based at the Base aérienne 113 Saint-Dizier, attached to the Strategic Air Forces Command's 4th Fighter Wing and carrying on the traditions of combat and training strategic bomber units, but part of the BAAC)
****** Fighter Squadron 3/11 ''Corse'' (''Escadron de chasse 3/11 Corse'' (Mirage 2000-5F squadron, based at BA 188 Djibouti Air Base, carrying on the long standing French-Djibouti military co-operation)
****** Fighter Squadron 1/7 ''Provence'' (''Escadron de chasse 1/7 Provence'' (Rafale squadron permanently deployed to Base aérienne 104 Al Dhafra, the French facility at the UAE's Al Dhafra Air Base)
**** Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance units:
***** 33rd Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Attack Wing (''33e escadre de surveillance, de reconnaissance et d'attaque'') (BA 709 Cognac-Châteaubernard Air Base)
****** UAV Squadron 1/33 ''Belfort'' (''Escadron de drones 1/33 Belfort'', operational General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper squadron)
****** UAV Squadron 2/33 ''Savoie'' (''Escadron de drones 2/33 Savoie'', operational General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper squadron)
****** OCU UAV Squadron 3/33 ''Moselle'' (''Escadron de Transformation Opérationnelle Drones 3/33 Moselle'', the OCU General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper squadron)
****** Reconnaissance Squadron 4/33 ''Périgord'' (''Escadron de reconnaissance 4/33 Périgord'', intelligence gathering squadron flying Beech 350ER/ALSR 'VADOR' aircraft)
**** [[surface-to-air missile]] units <small>(each ADSA squadron is composed of two batteries of SAMP/T and one battery of Crotale NG SAMs)</small>:
***** Air Defence Surface-to-Air Wing – 1st Air Defence Artillery Regiment (''Escadre sol-air de défense aérienne – 1er régiment d'artillerie de l'air''), based at [[Avord Air Base]] (BA 702)
****** Air Defence Surface-to-Air Squadron 02.950 ''"Sancerre"'' (''Escadron de défense sol-air 02.950 "Sancerre"'')
****** Technical Support Surface-to-Air Squadron (''Escadron de soutien technique sol-air 2E.950'')
****** Air Defence Surface-to-Air Training Center (''Centre de formation de la défense sol-air 14.950'')
***** Air Defence Surface-to-Air Squadron 01.950 ''"Crau"'' (''Escadron de défense sol-air 01.950 "Crau"'') (Base aérienne 125 Istres-Le Tubé)
***** Air Defence Surface-to-Air Squadron 05.950 ''"Barrois"'' (''Escadron de défense sol-air 05.950 "Barrois"'') (Base aérienne 113 Saint-Dizier-Robinson)
***** Air Defence Surface-to-Air Squadron 12.950 ''"Tursan"'' (''Escadron de défense sol-air 12.950 "Tursan"'') (Base aérienne 118 Mont-de-Marsan)
*** Commandant of the Air Force Brigade of Assault and Projection (BAAP) ([[Orléans – Bricy Air Base]]) ({{langx|fr|Brigade Aérienne d'Appui et de Projection}} (BAAP)), is responsible for all tactical transport and liaison aircraft (aircraft and helicopters: Transall, [[Transall C-160|C-160]], Hercules [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130]], [[Airbus A310|A310]]/319, [[Dassault Falcon 50]]/900, [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]], [[Eurocopter Fennec]], [[Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma]], [[SOCATA TBM]]). Commanded by an officer in the rank of a General of Air Brigade.
*** Commandant of the Air Force Brigade of Special Forces (BFSA) ([[Orange-Caritat Air Base|Orange - Caritat Air Base]]). Air Force Special Forces Brigade (''Brigade des forces spéciales air'' (BFSA)) was created in 2020 on the basis of the former Air Force Security Forces Brigade. In the 2020 – 2021 period the French Air and Space Force overhauled the force structure of its security and firefighting and rescue units, which were previously grouped together in the [[Air Force Security and Intervention Forces Brigade]] ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:brigade aérienne des forces de sécurité et d'intervention|Brigade Aérienne des Forces de Sécurité et d'Intervention]]}} (BAFSI)).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Création de la Brigade des forces spéciales air |url=https://devenir-aviateur.fr/rejoindre-la-communaute-des-aviateurs/a-la-une/creation-de-la-brigade-des-forces-speciales-air |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Aviateur |language=fr}}</ref> The brigade combines the aerial special operations assets of the air force (the fixed-wing ''Escadron de transport 3/61 'Poitou'<nowiki/>'' and the rotary wing ''Escadron d'hélicoptères 1/67 'Pyrénées'''), the land warfare special units [[Air Parachute Commando No. 10]] (covert and direct action), No. 20 (installation defence) and No. 30 (combat search and rescue), the security companies of the various air bases (''les escadrons de protection''), The Operational Training Center for [Land Warfare] Air Force Combatants (''Centre de préparation opérationnel des combattants de l'Armée de l'air'' (CPOCAA)) at the Rochefort Air Base [https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Base_a%C3%A9rienne_721_Rochefort] as well as the air force's Survival and Rescue Training Center (''Centre de formation à la survie et au sauvetage'' (CFSS)) at [[Cazaux Air Base]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vivenot |first=Emmanuel |date=2022-04-19 |title=La brigade des forces spéciales air |url=https://www.areion24.news/2022/04/19/la-brigade-des-forces-speciales-air/ |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=Areion24.news |language=fr-FR}}</ref> Commanded by an officer in the rank of a General of Air Brigade.
** academic establishments:
*** Commandant of the [[Centre d'expertise aérienne militaire]] (CEAM) (Mont-de-Marsan Air Base), officer in the rank of a General of Air Brigade
*** Commandant of the Centre for Strategic Aerospatial Studies (CESA) (Paris), officer in the rank of a General of Air Brigade
** Physician Assistant on Health Matters to the MGAAE (''médecin adjoint santé auprès du MGAAE'')
* Air and Space Force Staff (État-major de l'armée de l'air et de l'espace)<ref>{{Cite web |title=État-major de l'armée de l'air et de l'espace - Annuaire {{!}} Service-Public.fr |url=https://lannuaire.service-public.fr/gouvernement/6c2248ec-78e4-4009-abd7-b11e1e053f29 |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=lannuaire.service-public.fr}}</ref>
** Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programmes (sous-chef d'état-major Plans-Programme (SCPP)) in charge of preparation of armaments and equipment programmes, officer in the rank of a General of Air Division (a Major-General equivalent)
** Deputy Chief of Staff for Activities (''sous-chef d'état-major'' ''activité'' (SCAc)) in charge of operational readiness, application and support of the forces, training directives and personnel instruction, officer in the rank of a General of Air Division
** Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Synthesis (''sous-chef d'état-major'' ''performance-synthèse'' (SCPS)) for the supervision of Air Force cross-functional projects, information management, performance management and control of Air Force activities, officer in the rank of a General of Air Division
** General Officer in Charge of External Relations (''officier général délégué aux'' ''relations extérieures'' (OGDRE)) in charge of bilateral cooperation with foreign air forces and support for exports, officer in the rank of a General of Air Brigade (a Brigadier General equivalent)
** General Officer for Nuclear Matters and Security (''officier général'' ''nucléaire et sécurité'' (OGNS)) in charge of Air Force policy on the control and prevention of nuclear, radiological, biological and chemical (NRBC) risks, officer in the rank of a General of Air Brigade
** General Officer for Cybersecurity (''officier général au numérique'' (OGNUM)), officer in the rank of a General of Air Brigade
** General Officer for Maintenance in Opetrational Condition (''officier général au maintien en condition opérationnelle aéronautique'' (OGMCO)), officer in the rank of a General of Air Brigade
** General Officer for Very High Altitudes (''officier général au très haute altitude'' (OGTRA)) in charge of exploitation of the space ___domain, officer in the rank of a General of Air Brigade
* Inspector of the Air and Space Force (IAAE), officer in the rank of General of Air Corps
* Director for Human Resources of the Air and Space Force (DRHAAE), officer in the rank of General of Air Corps
* Territorial Commander of the Air and Space Force (CTAAE, formerly the Air Forces Command<ref>{{Cite web |title=COMMANDEMENT TERRTORIAL DE L'ARMEE DE L'AIR ET DE L'ESPACE |url=https://aero-baas.fr/CFA |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=aero-baas.fr}}</ref>), officer in the rank of General of Air Corps
* Commander of Air Defence and Air Operations (CDAOA), officer in the rank of General of Air Corps
* Commander of Strategic Air Forces (CFAS), officer in the rank of General of Air Corps
* Commander of Space Command (CDE), officer in the rank of General of Air Division
=== Commands ===
The French Air and Space Force has had three commands: two grand operational commands (CDAOA and CFAS) and one organic command (CFA).
* [[Commandement de la Défense Aérienne et des Opérations Aériennes]] (English: Air Defense and Air Operations Command (CDAOA)), is responsible for surveillance of French airspace, as well as all aerial operations in progress. It does not possess aircraft. Instead it exercises operational control over units of the [[Air Forces Command (France)|Air Forces Command (''CFA'')]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://emad.defensa.gob.es/en/prensa/noticias/2021/11/Listado/211117-visita_cdaoa_frances_caoc.html|title=Commander of French Permanent Airspace Surveillance Centre Visit Combined Air Operations Centre Torrejón|date=November 17, 2021|website=emad.defensa.gob.es|access-date=January 15, 2024}}</ref>
** Air Defence and Air Operations Staff ({{Langx|fr|État-major de la défense aérienne et des opérations aériennes}}) composed of the:
*** Air Force Operational Staff ({{Langx|fr|État-major opérationnel Air (EMO-Air)}}) and the
*** Permanent readiness command center ({{Langx|fr|Centre de permanence Air}}), both situated at the Balard complex (the French Air and Space Force main HQ)
*** direct reporting units:
**** Air Force Operations Brigade ({{Langx|fr|Brigade aérienne des opérations (BAO)}}) (all units at BA 942 Lyon-Mont Verdun air base)
***** National Air Operations Center ({{Langx|fr|Centre national des opérations aériennes (CNOA)}})
***** Core Joint Force Air Component HQ (''Core JFAC HQ'')
***** Analysis and Simulation Center for Air Operations Preparation ({{Langx|fr|Centre d’analyse et de simulation pour la préparation aux opérations aériennes (CASPOA)}})
**** Air Force Operational Awareness and Planning Brigade ({{Langx|fr|Brigade aérienne connaissance-anticipation (BACA)}})
***** Air Force Intelligence Center ({{Langx|fr|Centre de renseignement air (CRA)}}) at BA 942 Lyon-Mont Verdun air base
***** National Target Designation Center ({{Langx|fr|Centre national de ciblage (CNC)}}) at BA 110 Creil-Senlis air base
***** Land-based Electronic Warfare Squadron ({{Langx|fr|Escadron électronique sol (EES)}}) at BA 123 Orléans-Bricy air base
***** Intelligence Training Squadron 20.530 ({{Langx|fr|Escadron de formation au renseignement (EFR) 20.530}}) ([[Metz]]), training air and space force and naval officers, integrated in the Joint Intelligence Training Center (''CFIAR'') in [[Strasbourg]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/espanol/actualites/articles/cfiar-le-centre-interarmees-qui-apprend-a-renseigner|title=CFIAR|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203055435/https://www.defense.gouv.fr/espanol/actualites/articles/cfiar-le-centre-interarmees-qui-apprend-a-renseigner|archive-date=3 December 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
**** Air Force Brigade for Permanent Aerial Security Readiness (''Brigade aérienne de la posture permanente de la sûreté aérienne'' (''BAPPS'')), based at BA 942 Lyon-Mont Verdun air base, created at the end of 2020 and in charge of air policing<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-09-29 |title=Défense aérienne : création d'une brigade PPS |url=https://air-cosmos.com/article/dfense-arienne-cration-dune-brigade-pps-23670 |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Air et Cosmos |language=fr}}</ref>
**** Air Force Brigade for Airspace Control (''Brigade aérienne du contrôle de l'espace aérien'' (''BACEA'')), based at BA 942 Lyon-Mont Verdun air base,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/tous-nos-dossiers/jop-2024-larmee-lair-lespace-au-rendez-vous/securisation-jeux/surete-aerienne-jeux#:~:text=Pilot%C3%A9%20par%20le%20bureau%20contr%C3%B4le,des%20sp%C3%A9cialistes%20de%20l'EACA. |access-date=2025-04-13 |website=www.defense.gouv.fr |title=Sûreté aérienne des Jeux olympiques et paralympiques 2024 | Ministère des Armées |date=4 June 2024 }}</ref> created in 2023 in line with Plan Altaïr for teh reorganisation of the French Air and Space Force.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2024-03-01 |title=Rétrospective 2023 de l'Armée de l'Air française : Focus sur le plan Altaïr |url=https://www.avion-chasse.fr/retrospective-2023-de-larmee-de-lair-francaise-focus-sur-le-plan-altair/ |access-date=2025-04-13 |language=fr-FR}}</ref> Created by the merger of the former Airspace Control Brigade (''Brigade Aérienne de Contrôle de l'Espace'' (''BACE'')) and the Information and Communication Systems component (''Systèmes d'information et de communication'') of the Air Force Brigade for Aerial Maneuver Support (''Brigade aérienne d'appui à la manœuvre aérienne''). The BACE was responsible for ([[Airborne early warning and control]] aircraft, and ground radar, ground-based air defense systems and missile defence, communication networks) airspace surveillance, constituting the [[Système de Commandement et de Conduite des Opérations Aérospatiales]]). Since 2007 the command, control and information systems network of the air and space force have been is integrated into the [[Joint Directorate of Infrastructure Networks and Information Systems]] (DIRISI)). With the creation of the BACEA the surface-to-air missile squadrons were transferred to the Air Force Fighter Aviation Brigade. The annual post-statement of the Air Defence and Air Operations Command (''COMMANDEMENT DE LA DÉFENSE AÉRIENNE ET DES OPÉRATIONS AÉRIENNES'')<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://operationnels.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CDAOA-Retrospective-2023.pdf |title=Commandement De La Défense aérienne Et Des Opérations aériennes - Rétrospective 2023 |language=fr |trans-title=Air Defense and Air Operations Command - Retrospective 2023 |first=Laurent |last=Rataud |___location=Lyon |publisher=ÉDIACA Saint-Étienne |year=2023 |access-date=26 August 2025}}</ref> describes the new brigade as a formation of 57 subordinated units and its HQ in Bordeaux, fulfilling the following key tasks: tactical control of air assets (contrôle tactique), aerial transit control of air assets (contrôle en route), air traffic control (contrôle de circulation aérienne), support of the information and communication systems of the air force (soutien des Sic Aéronautiques), training and expertise in air traffic management (formation et expertise ATM), forward deployment of information and communication systems and command and control assets (projection SIC et du C2 tactique).
***** detection and control centers:
****** Detection and Control Center 07.927 ({{Langx|fr|Centre de détection et de contrôle (CDC)}}) [[Tours]] – [[Cinq-Mars-la-Pile]] (Codename: ''Raki'', [[Area of responsibility|AOR]]: Northwestern France)
****** Detection and Control Center 04.930 ({{Langx|fr|Centre de détection et de contrôle (CDC)}}) [[Mont-de-Marsan Air Base|Mont-de-Marsan]] (Codename: ''Marina'', [[Area of responsibility|AOR]]: Southwestern France)
****** Detection and Control Center 05.942 ({{Langx|fr|Centre de détection et de contrôle (CDC)}}) [[Lyon – Mont Verdun Air Base|Lyon – Mont Verdun]] (Codename: ''Rambert'', [[Area of responsibility|AOR]]: Southeastern France)
***** airborne airspace surveillance units:
****** 36th Airborne Command and Control Wing (''36e escadre de commandement et de conduite aéroportés'' (''36e EC2A'')), based at [[Avord Air Base]] (BA 702)
******* <abbr>36th Airborne Command and Control Squadron ''"Berry"'' (''36<sup>e</sup>''</abbr> ''escadron de détection et de contrôle aéroportés Berry''), flying the [[Boeing E-3 Sentry|Boeing E-3F Sentry]]
***** ground-based airspace surveillance units:
****** [[Graves (system)|GRAVES System]]
****** 3 surveillance and air defence radar installations equipped with the [[Ground Master 400|Ground Master 406]] radar: années 2010 trois Ground Master 406, le premier installé en Guyane, le second sur la base aérienne de Nice en 2017 et le troisième sur la Base aérienne 942 and at Lyon-Mont Verdun Air Base (BA 942) in 2019.
****** 12 surveillance and air defence radar installations equipped with the [[Ground Master 400|Ground Master 403T]] radar in metropolitan France, re-equipped in the 2019 – 2022 period.
***** airspace controle of military air bases:
****** units for local aerospace surveillance of the immediate environs of air bases (CLA) ;
****** approach radars and landing aide systems
***** surface-to-air signals units in metropolitan France (METEOR system, in process of replacement by the SRSA system)
****** Expeditionary Command and Control Air Force Wing 00.550 (''Escadre aérienne de commandement et de conduite projetable 00.550'' (''EAC2P 00.550'')), based at Évreux-Fauville Air Base (BA 105) and formed on August 27, 2015, on the basis of the former ''Groupement tactique des systèmes d’information et de communication'' (''GTSICAéro'').
******* Wing Command (''Commandement d'escadre 00.550'')
******* Tactical Telecommunications Systems Squadron 11.550 (''Escadron des systèmes de télécommunication tactiques 11.550'')
******* Tactical Surveillance Systems Squadron 12.550 (''Escadron des systèmes de surveillance tactiques 12.550'')
******* Tactical Information Systems Squadron 13.550 (''Escadron des systèmes d’information tactiques 13.550'')
******* Tactical Training and Expertise Squadron 14.550 (Escadron d'expertise et d'instruction tactiques 14.550)
* [[Strategic Air Forces Command]] (CFAS), is responsible for the air force's nuclear strike units ([[Dassault Rafale|Dassault Rafale B]] armed with [[Air-Sol Moyenne Portée|ASMP-A]] missiles), as well as the tanker / strategic transport aircraft ([[Boeing C-135 Stratolifter|C-135FR]], [[Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker]]).
** Command HQ (Commandement des CFAS), based at [[Vélizy-Villacoublay Air Base]] (BA 107)
** 4th Fighter Wing (''4e Escadre de chasse'' (''4e EC'')), based at [[Saint-Dizier – Robinson Air Base]] (BA 113)
*** Wing Command (''Commandement d'escadre 00.113'')
*** Fighter Squadron 01.004 ''"Gascogne"'' (''Escadron de chasse 01.004 Gascogne''), tactical nuclear strike fighter squadron, flying [[Dassault Rafale|Rafale B]] variant
*** Fighter Squadron 02.004 ''"La Fayette"'' (''Escadron de Chasse 02.004 La Fayette''), tactical nuclear strike fighter squadron, flying Rafale variant
*** Rafale Conversion Squadron 03.004 "Aquitaine" (''Escadron de transformation Rafale 03.004 Aquitaine''), joint air force – navy OCU flying Rafale B/C/M variants
*** Aeronautical Technical Support Squadron 15.004 ''"Haute-Marne"'' (Escadron de soutien technique aéronautique 15.004 Haute-Marne)
** [[31e Escadre Aérienne de Ravitaillement et de Transport Stratégiques|31st Aerial Refuel and Strategic Transport Wing]] (''31e Escadre aérienne de ravitaillement et de transport stratégiques'' (''31e EARTS'')), based at [[Istres-Le Tubé Air Base]] (BA 125).
*** Wing Command (''Commandement d'escadre 00.113'')
*** Aerial Refuel and Strategic Transport Squadron 01.031 ''"Bretagne"'' (''Escadron de ravitaillement en vol et de transport stratégique 01.031 Bretagne''), flying the [[Airbus A330 MRTT]]
*** Operational Conversion Squadron 03.031 ''"Phénix"'' (''Escadron de transformation Phénix 03.031 Landes''), A330MRTT OCU
*** Transport Squadron 03.060 ''"Esterel"'' (''Escadron de transport 3/60 Esterel''), presidential air transport with the [[Airbus A330]]
*** Aeronautical Technical Support Squadron 15.031 ''"Camargue"'' (''Escadron de soutien technique aéronautique 15.031 Camargue'')
*** Specialised Technical Support Squadron 15.093 (''Escadron de soutien technique spécialisé 15.093'')
* [[Air Forces Command (France)|Territorial Command of the Air and Space Army]] (CTAAE), formerly the Air Forces Command, transformed into the CTAAE on March 22, 2023<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/actualites/page-se-tourne-larmee-lair-lespace |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=www.defense.gouv.fr |title=Une page se tourne pour l'armée de l'Air et de l'Espace | Ministère des Armées |date=7 July 2023 }}</ref>), [[Bordeaux-Mérignac Air Base]], as an organic command, prepares units to fulfill operational missions. From September 2013, the former organic commands CFA and CSFA were merged into CFA.
** Air Force Firefighters Brigade (''Brigade des pompiers de l’air'' (BPA)), formed in 2021. It brings together the rescue and firefighting personnel (called ''incident technicians'' and grouped into ''squadrons'' of company size) of the Air Force into 25 units of around 1 500 personnel. HQ is in [[Cazaux Air Base]] (BA 120);<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-09-10 |title=L'armée de l'Air et de l'Espace crée une brigade des pompiers de l'air |url=http://air.defense.gouv.fr/armee-de-lair-et-de-lespace/actualite/cr%C3%A9ation_BPA |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace |language=fr}}</ref>
** [[Air Force Aerial Weapon Systems Brigade]] ({{langx|fr|Brigade Aérienne des Systèmes d'Armes Aériens}} (BASAA)) provides the maintenance and repair of aerial weapons and target systems.
** [[Air Force Maneuver Support Brigade]] ({{langx|fr|Brigade Aérienne d'Appui à la Manœuvre Aérienne}} (BAAMA)) provides the ground-based engineer and logistics personnel (including expeditionary) needed for the sustainment of air operations.,<ref>{{Cite web |last=dit |first=Le 25e Génie de l’Air sur les Champs-Élysées avec un soldat de métier |date=2014-03-08 |title=Les bâtisseurs de la Brigade aérienne d'appui à la manœuvre aérienne |url=https://www.soldat-metier.com/armee-air/593-baama-base-aerienne-5-minutes.html |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=soldat de métier |language=fr-FR}}</ref> based at [[Bordeaux–Mérignac Airport|Bordeaux–Mérignac Air Base]] (BA 106)
***Operational Support Air Force Wing 00.513 (''Escadre aérienne d'appui aux opérations 00.513'' (''EAAO 00.513'')), based at Bordeaux-Mérignac Air Base (BA 106) and formed on November 24, 2021, on the basis of the former ''Groupement aérien d’appui aux opérations'' (''GAAO'').
****Wing Command (''Commandement d'escadre 00.513'')
****Operational Infrastructure Squadron 11.513 (''Escadron d'infrastructure en opérations 11.513'')
****Operational Infrastructure Squadron 13.513 (''Escadron d'infrastructure en opérations 13.513'')
****Operational Infrastructure Squadron 15.513 (''Escadron d'infrastructure en opérations 15.513'')
****Expeditionary Training Squadron 17.513 (''Escadron d'instruction au déploiement 17.513'')
***25th Air Force Engineer Regiment (''25ème Régiment du Génie de l’Air''), army regiment permanently attached to the air force. Based at [[Istres-Le Tubé Air Base]] (BA 125).
****2nd Operational Air Force Engineer Company (''2e Compagnie opérationnelle du génie de l’air'' (''2e COGA'')), based at [[Mont-de-Marsan Air Base]] (BA 118).
****4th Operational Air Force Engineer Company (''4e Compagnie opérationnelle du génie de l’air'' (''4e COGA'')), based at Avord Air Base (BA 702).
***Aeronautical Installations Air Force Groupment (''Groupement aérien des installations aéronautiques'' (''GAIA'')), based at Bordeaux-Mérignac Air Base (BA 106)
* [[French Space Command]] ({{langx|fr|Commandement de l'espace}} (''CDE'')),<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-09 |title=Les opérations spatiales militaires |url=http://air.defense.gouv.fr/cde/article-de-dossier/les-operations-spatiales-militaires |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=CDE |language=fr}}</ref> HQ at [[Toulouse Space Centre]]
** Operational Preparation and Employment Division (''Division préparation opérationnelle et emploi'' (''DPOE'')), [[Hexagone Balard]], Paris
** Space Operations Air Force Brigade (''Brigade aérienne des opérations spatiales'' (''BAOS'')), based at Toulouse Space Center. By 2025 the CMOS and the COSMOS will relocate to Toulouse Space Center as well. In preparation for this the French Air and Space Force has formed the military installation FA 101 (''Formation administrative'' (''FA'' ''101'')) on the premises of the space center.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-09-05 |title=CDE : passation de commandement de la FA 101 à Toulouse |url=http://air.defense.gouv.fr/armee-de-lair-et-de-lespace/actualite/cde-passation-de-commandement-de-la-fa-101-toulouse |access-date=2023-02-02 |website=Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace |language=fr}}</ref>
*** Space Operations Command and Control Center (''Centre de Commandement et de Contrôle des opérations spatiales'' (''C3OS'')), based at Toulouse Space Center
*** Satellite Observation Military Center 01.092 ''"Bourgogne"'' ({{Langx|fr|Centre militaire d’observation par satellites (CMOS) 01.092 Bourgogne}}), based at [[Creil]]-Senlis Air Base (BA 110)
*** Operational Center for Military Surveillance of Space Objects ({{Langx|fr|Centre opérationnel de surveillance militaire des objets spatiaux (COSMOS)}}), based at [[Lyon – Mont Verdun Air Base]] (BA 942)
The official designation of the service was changed in July 2019 from Air Army ({{lang|fr|Armée de l'Air}}) to Air and Space Army ({{lang|fr|Armée de l'air et de l'espace}}), when the previous joint Inter-Service Space Command ({{lang|fr|Commandement interarmées de l'espace}} (''CIE'')) under the French General Staff was transformed into the [[Joint Space Command (France)|Space Command]] ({{lang|fr|Commandement de l'espace}} (''CDE'')) and absorbed into the Air and Space Force as its fourth command.
All air regions were disestablished on 1 January 2008. In the 1960s, there were five air regions (RA). The number was then reduced to four by a decree of 30 June 1962 with the disestablishment of the 5th Aerial Region ([[French North Africa]]). The decree of 14 July 1991 reduced the air regions to three: « RA Atlantic », « RA Mediterranean » and « RA North-East ». On 1 July 2000 was placed into effect an organization consisting of « RA North » (RAN) and « RA South » (RAS). The territorial division was abolished by decree n°2007-601 of 26 April 2007.<ref>[http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=5F076BBA16987B447BFCB1DAA0CFCD22.tpdjo13v_2?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000274513&categorieLien=id Décret n° 2007-601 du 26 avril 2007, modifiant la première partie du code de la Défense (partie réglementaire)], {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101082427/https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=5F076BBA16987B447BFCB1DAA0CFCD22.tpdjo13v_2?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000274513&categorieLien=id |date=1 January 2018}}, Légifrance, Jacques Chirac, 26 April 2007</ref><ref>[http://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=5F076BBA16987B447BFCB1DAA0CFCD22.tpdjo13v_2?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000274513&categorieLien=id Décret du 26 avril 2007] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101082427/https://www.legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do;jsessionid=5F076BBA16987B447BFCB1DAA0CFCD22.tpdjo13v_2?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000274513&categorieLien=id |date=1 January 2018}}</ref>
From 2008 to 2010 the French Air Force underwent the "Air 2010" streamlining process. The main targets of this project were to simplify the command structure, to regroup all military and civil air force functions and to rationalise and optimise all air force units. Five major commands, were formed, instead of the former 13, and several commands and units were disbanded.<ref>[http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tmib20/current"The Military Balance 2013".] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001120813/https://www.tandfonline.com/toc/tmib20/current |date=1 October 2018}}, 14 March 2013.</ref>
=== Support services ===
The Directorate of Human Resources of the Air and Space Force (DRH-AAE) recruits, trains, manages, administers, and converts personnel of the Air and Space Force. Since January 2008, the DRH-AAE groups the former Air Force directorate of military personnel (DPMMA) and some tasks of the former [[Air Force Training Command (France)|Air Force Training Command]]. The directorate is responsible for Air and Space Force recruitment via the recruiting bureau.
French joint defence service organisations, supporting the air and space force, include:<ref name="auto"/>
* The Integrated Structure of Maintaining Operational Conditioning of Aeronautical Defense Materials ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:Structure intégrée de maintien en condition opérationnelle des matériels aéronautiques de la Défense|Structure Intégrée de Maintien en Condition Opérationnelle des Matériels Aéronautiques de la Défense]]}}) (SIMMAD).
* The [[Service industriel de l'aéronautique]] ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:Service industriel de l'aéronautique|Service Industriel de l'Aéronautique]]}}) (SIAE), a 4700-person [[maintenance]] organization, internal to the French air force, in charge of 20% of the heavy maintenance of [[French armed forces]], the other 80% being the responsibility of private aeronautics companies.
* The " Air [[Commissariat]] " ({{langx|fr|" Commissariat de l'Air "}}) between 1947 and 2007, then " Financial and General Administration Service " ({{langx|fr|" Service de l'Administration Générale et des Finances " (SAGF)}}) from 2008 until 2009, and finally the " Commissariat Service of the Armed Forces " (SCA) ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:service du commissariat des armées|Service du Commissariat des Armées]]}}) since 2010, have successively been designated as administrative services of the French Air and Space Force. The [[Commissioner]]s as well as Civilians of this service carry out : operations support, individual legal rights, judicial, internal control accountability, financial and purchase executions, and support and protection of the combatant.<ref>[http://www.defense.gouv.fr/sca/metiers-et-expertise-du-sca] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150408181632/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/sca/metiers-et-expertise-du-sca|date=8 April 2015}}, Métiers et expertise du SCA, defense.gouv.fr, 11 February 2015.</ref>
=== Wings ===
Commanded by a Lieutenant-colonel or Colonel, the {{lang|fr|Escadre}} is a formation that assembles various units and personnel dedicated to the same mission. In 1932, the "regiment" designation was replaced with "Escadre", which until 1994 was a unit consisting of the following:
* units (escadrons or groups) generally equipped with the same type of aircraft or at least assuring the same type of mission
* units of maintenance and support.
{{lang|fr|Escadres}} ([[Wing (military aviation unit)|wings]]) were dissolved from 1993 as part of the {{lang|fr|Armées 2000}} reorganisation, were reestablished in 2014.<ref name="nouvelles escadres">[http://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/actus-air/nouvelles-escadres-aeriennes-une-coherence-operationnelle-accrue-des-valeurs-renforcees Nouvelles escadres aériennes : une cohérence opérationnelle accrue, des valeurs renforcées] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150826232249/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/actus-air/nouvelles-escadres-aeriennes-une-coherence-operationnelle-accrue-des-valeurs-renforcees |date=26 August 2015 }}. Site de l'Armée de l'air accessed 16 November 2015.</ref> The problems caused by having the aircraft maintenance units not responsible to the flying squadrons they supported eventually forced the change.
Four {{lang|fr|Escadres}} were reformed in the first phase:<ref name="nouvelles escadres"/>
* {{lang|fr|[[31e Escadre Aérienne de Ravitaillement et de Transport Stratégiques]]}} at [[Istres-Le Tubé Air Base]] on 27 August 2014
* {{lang|fr|36e Escadre de Commandement et de Conduite Aéroportée}} at [[Avord Air Base]] on 5 September 2014
* {{lang|fr|Escadre Sol-Air de Défense Aérienne – 1er Régiment d'Artillerie de l'Air}} (ESADA – 1<sup>er</sup> RAA) at [[Avord Air Base]] (3 September 2014)
* the {{lang|fr|[[3e Escadre de Chasse|3<sup>e</sup> Escadre de Chasse]]}} at [[Nancy-Ochey Air Base]] (5 September 2014)
In the second phase, the French Air Force announced in August 2015 the creation of six additional wings:<ref name="nouvelles escadres"/>
* the {{lang|fr|[[8e Escadre de Chasse]]}} at [[Cazaux Air Base]] (25 August 2015)
* the {{lang|fr|[[4e Escadre de Chasse]]}} at Saint-Dizier ( 26 August 2015)
* the {{lang|fr|[[64e Escadre de Transport]]}} at [[Évreux-Fauville Air Base]] (27 August 2015)
* the {{lang|fr|[[2e Escadre de Chasse]]}} at [[Luxeuil - Saint-Sauveur Air Base]] (3 September 2015)
* the {{lang|fr|[[61e Escadre de Transport]]}} ({{lang|fr|[[:fr:61e escadre de transport]]}}) at [[Orléans – Bricy Air Base]] (1 September 2015)
* the {{lang|fr|[[30e Escadre de Chasse]]}} at [[Mont-de-Marsan Air Base]] (3 September 2015).
Also established was the {{lang|fr|[[:fr:Escadre aérienne de commandement et de conduite projetable|Escadre Aérienne de Commandement et de Conduite Projetable]]}} at [[Évreux-Fauville Air Base]] on 27 August 2015.
The French Air and Space Force announced in August 2015 that unit numbering, moves of affected aircraft, and the transfer of historic material (flags, traditions and names) would be completed in 2016.<ref name="nouvelles escadres"/>
* the {{lang|fr|[[62e Escadre de Transport]]}} was re-constituted at [[Orléans – Bricy Air Base]] on 5 September 2017, taking over [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules|C-130 Hercules]] operations from {{lang|fr|61e Escadre de Transport}} so the latter could specialise in [[Airbus A400M Atlas|A400M Atlas]] operations.
Another air force wing was added on September 5, 2019:
* the {{lang|fr|33e Escadre de surveillance, de reconnaissance et d'attaque}} at [[Cognac – Châteaubernard Air Base]], operating the air and space force's [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|drone]] fleet.
=== Squadrons and flights ===
Commanded by a lieutenant-colonel, the Escadron is the basic operational unit. This term replaced that of Group as of 1949 with the aim to standardize usage with the allies of [[NATO]] who were using the term 'squadron'. However, the term Group did not entirely disappear: the term was retained for the Aerial Group 56 Mix Vaucluse, specialized in Special Operations or Group – [[Groupe de Ravitaillement en Vol 02.091 Bretagne]] ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:groupe de ravitaillement en vol 02.091 Bretagne|Groupe de Ravitaillement en Vol 02.091 Bretagne]]}}) which is still carrying the same designation since 2004.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}
A fighter squadron ({{lang|fr|escadron}}) can number some twenty machines, spread in general in three Escadrilles. A Transport Escadron ({{lang|fr|Escadron de Transport}}) can theoretically count a dozen [[Transall C-160]], however, numbers are usually much less for heavier aircraft (three [[Airbus A310|Airbus A310-300]] and two [[Airbus A340|Airbus A340-200]] for the Transport Escadron 3/60 Estérel ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:escadron de transport 3/60 Estérel|Escadron de Transport 3/60 Estérel]]}})).{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}
The squadrons have retained the designations of the former Escadres disbanded during the 1990s. For instance: Transport Escadron 1/64 Béarn ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:escadron de transport 1/64 Béarn|escadron de transport 1/64 Béarn]]}}) (more specifically Transport Escadron 01.064 Béarn), which belonged to the 64th Transport Escadre ({{langx|fr|64<sup>e</sup> Escadre de Transport}}) during the dissolution of the later (recreated in August 2015). Not all escadrons (Squadrons) are necessarily attached to an Escadre.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}
The Escadrille (flight) has both an administrative and operational function, even of the essential operational control is done at the level of the Esacdron. A pilot is assigned to the Escadrille, however the equipment and material devices, on the other hand, are assigned to the Escadron. Since the ESTA (Aeronautic Technical Support Escadrons) came into being, material devices and the mechanics have been assigned directly to the base then put at disposition of the based Escadrons.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}
The Escadrilles adopted the traditions of the prestigious units out of which most (SPA and SAL),{{NoteTag|Designations of Escadrilles composed of the identifying number of material devices (for instance SPA for escadrille equipped with SPAD, N for Nieuport, SAL for Salmson, etc.) and an order number.}} are those traditions of the First World War.{{citation needed|date=January 2020}}
=== Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air ===
The {{Lang|fr|[[Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air]]|italic=no}} comprise:<ref>[http://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/activites/unites-au-sol/les-fusiliers-commandos/les-fusiliers-commandos] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150628080155/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/air/activites/unites-au-sol/les-fusiliers-commandos/les-fusiliers-commandos|date=28 June 2015}}, Les fusiliers commandos, 10 February 2015, 2 August 2010, defense.gouv.fr; [http://www.nae.fr/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/OFFICIER-COMMANDO-PARACHUTISTE-DE-LAIR.pdf Officier commando de l'air] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005074347/http://www.nae.fr/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/OFFICIER-COMMANDO-PARACHUTISTE-DE-LAIR.pdf|date=5 October 2018}}</ref>
* Protection squadrons ({{langx|fr|Escadrons de protection}}) (EP)
* Air Parachute Commando 10 ({{langx|fr|Commando parachutiste de l'air}}) (CPA 10)
* Air Parachute Commando 20 (CPA 20)
* Air Parachute Commando 30 (CPA 30)
Protection Squadrons protect airbases inside and outside the national territory, and in exterior operations as well.
The CPAs carry out common missions, as well as specialized tasks including intervention and reinforcement of protection at the profit of sensible points " air " inside and outside the national territory.
==Air bases==
{{Main|List of French Air and Space Force bases}}
[[File:Bases-aeriennes-france.jpg|500px|thumb|right|Air bases in [[Metropolitan France]]]]
Flying activity in France is carried out by a network of bases, platforms and [[French air defense radar systems|French air and space defence radar systems]]. It is supported by bases, which are supervised and maintained by staff, operational centres, warehouses, workshops, and schools. Both in France and abroad, bases have similar infrastructure to provide standardised support.
The French Air and Space Force has, as of 1 August 2014:
* Within the metropolitan territory of France, 27 airbases, out of the which 18 aeronautical platform with perceived runways and 5 Bases non-platform, two schools, 3 air detachments and " one attached air element " (EAR).
* Beyond the metropole/Europe, 7 Aerial Bases or permanent detachments in overseas or country.
[[File:Rafale_-_RIAT_2009_(3751416421).jpg|thumb|A French Air and Space Force [[Dassault Rafale]] B at [[RIAT]] in 2009]]
[[File:Air Defence Squadron Tursan Bastille Day 2013 Paris t114447.jpg|thumb|[[Crotale (missile)|Crotale]] missile-launchers of the Air Defense Ground-to-Air Squadron of the French Air and Space Force]]
Some French airbases house radar units (e.g. Lyon, Mont-Verdun, Drachenbronn, Cinq-Mars-la-Pile, Nice, Mont-Agel) to carry out air defence radar surveillance and air traffic control. Others house material warehouses or command posts. Temporary and semi-permanent foreign deployments include transport aircraft at [[Dushanbe]] ([[Tajikistan]], [[Mission Héraclès|Operation Héraclès]]), and fighter aircraft in [[N'Djamena]] ([[Tchad]], [[Opération Épervier]]), among others.
As swift as the French Air and Space Force operates, the closure of aerial bases is more constant and immediate, having known a strong acceleration since the 1950s. An air base commander has authority over all units stationed on their base. Depending on the units' tasks, this means that they are responsible for approximately 600 to 2500 personnel.
On average, a base, made up of about 1500 personnel (nearly 3500 people including family), provides a yearly economic boost to its area of about 60 million euros. Consequently, determining the sites for air bases constitutes a major part of regional planning.<ref>[http://www.defense.gouv.fr/english/content/download/160035/1649050/file/Doc_preparatoire_LBDSN_UK-2012-V2_WEB_Protected.pdf "France faced with developments in the international and strategic context"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103135744/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/english/content/download/160035/1649050/file/Doc_preparatoire_LBDSN_UK-2012-V2_WEB_Protected.pdf |date=3 November 2012 }} 3 April 2012 (in English)</ref>
[[File:Orange-Caritat Air Base.jpg|thumb|right|[[Orange-Caritat Air Base]]]]
* BA 105 [[Évreux-Fauville Air Base]]. Command, operational and logistic support. Air transport units with 27× [[CASA/IPTN CN-235|CASA CN-235M]], 9× [[Transall C-160|Transall C-160 NG]].
* BA 107 [[Vélizy – Villacoublay Air Base]]. Helicopter and heavy air transport units.
* BA 113 [[Saint-Dizier – Robinson Air Base]] [[4e Escadre de Chasse]], 50× [[Dassault Rafale|Rafale B]] and [[Dassault Rafale|Rafale C]].
* BA 116 [[Luxeuil - Saint-Sauveur Air Base]]. Air defence fighter base with 20× [[Mirage 2000-5F]].
* BA 123 [[Orléans – Bricy Air Base]]. Air transport units with 17× [[Airbus A400M Atlas]] and 18× [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]. CFPSAA operational command.
* BA 133 [[Nancy – Ochey Air Base]]. Three strike fighter squadrons units with 70× [[Mirage 2000D]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/actualite/le-ministere-commande-la-renovation-a-mi-vie-des-mirage-2000-d|title=Le ministère commande la rénovation à mi-vie des Mirage 2000 D|access-date=22 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160724144255/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/dga/actualite/le-ministere-commande-la-renovation-a-mi-vie-des-mirage-2000-d|archive-date=24 July 2016|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> SAM sqns.
* BA 279 [[Châteaudun Air Base]]. Airplane maintenance, repair and storage airbase.
* BA 702 [[Avord Air Base]]. CFAS nuclear strike stockpile. [[Airborne early warning and control|AWACS]] 4× [[Boeing E-3 Sentry|E-3F Sentry]] unit.
* BA 705 [[Tours]] airbase. Fighter pilot training school were equipped with [[Alpha Jet]]. This school has been moved to BA 709 in 2020.
* DA 273 [[Romorantin]] air detachment. Logistics unit.
* BA 106 [[Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport]]. Transport support base for the air staff.
* BA 115 [[Orange-Caritat Air Base]]. 6× [[Dassault Mirage 2000|Mirage 2000B-S5]] and 12x [[Rafale|Rafale B]] and [[Rafale|Rafale C]].
* BA 118 [[Mont-de-Marsan Air Base]]. Home to 52× [[Rafale|Rafale B]] and [[Rafale|Rafale C]]. Home of CEAM, the Air and Space Force military experimentation and trials organisation, Air defence radar command reporting centre, and the air traffic control and air defence control training centre.
* BA 120 [[Cazaux Air Base]], situated South-west of the [[port]] city of [[Bordeaux]]. Fighter pilot training squadron equipped with 45× [[Alpha Jet]]. Air and Space Force airplane stockpile.
* BA 125 [[Istres-Le Tubé Air Base]]. Two [[Transall C-160]]G strategic communication flight. Inflight refueling unit with 4× [[Airbus A330 MRTT]]. CEAM – the Air and Space Force military test centre.
* BA 126 [[Solenzara Air Base]]. Fighter gunnery range. SAR unit.
* DA 277 [[Varennes-sur-Allier]]. Air and Space Force supply depot. DA 277 was dissolved on 30 June 2015.
* Air Base 278 [[Ambérieu-en-Bugey|Ambérieu]]. Logistic support base.
* BA 701 [[Salon-de-Provence Air Base]]. Presentation Team equipped with 12× [[Alpha Jet]]. Officer instruction school. Enlisted instruction school.
* BA 709 [[Cognac – Châteaubernard Air Base]]. Basic flight training school equipped with 17× [[Pilatus PC-21]] and UAV squadron with 8× [[MQ-9 Reaper]].
* [[École de formation des sous-officiers de l'armée de l'air|Air Base 721]] [[Rochefort, Charente-Maritime|Rochefort]]. Home of the NCO school, the [[École de formation des sous-officiers de l'armée de l'air]].
* BA 942 [[Lyon – Mont Verdun Air Base]]. Air defence radar command reporting centre. National Air Operations Command (CNOA) ___location.
* [[Air Base 943 Nice|EAR 943 Nice Mont-Agel]]. Air defence radar GM 406.
* DA 204 [[Bordeaux-Beauséjour]] air detachment. Logistic unit.
* [[EETAA 722]] [[Saintes, Charente-Maritime|Saintes]]. Air and Space Force electronic, technical instruction also as Military basic Bootcamp.
* EPA 749 [[Grenoble]]. Air and Space Force child support school.
===Overseas===
[[File:LFPY AIRPORT BRETIGNY FROM FLIGHT ORY-NCE A320 F-GHQJ (17144270049).jpg|240px|thumb|[[Brétigny-sur-Orge Air Base]]]]
* [[Réunion]], Indian Ocean.
* BA 188 [[Djibouti]], Africa. Mixed units.
* Air elements [[Libreville]]/[[Gabon]].
* Air elements [[N’Djamena]]/[[Chad]]. Mixed units.
* BA 190 [[French Polynesia]] (''[[Overseas collectivity]]''). Mixed unit.
* BA 365 [[Martinique]] (''French department''), West Indies. Mixed unit.
* BA 367 [[French Guiana]] (''French department''), South America. Mixed units.
* BA 376 [[:fr:Base aérienne 186 Nouméa|Base aérienne 186 Nouméa]], [[New Caledonia]] (''[[Sui generis collectivity|special collectivity of France]]'')
* BA 104 [[Abu Dhabi]]
More than ten bases have been closed since 2009. [[Doullens Air Base]] (BA 922) was a former command and reporting centre; [[Toulouse - Francazal Air Base]] (BA 101), was closed on 1 September 2009; [[Colmar-Meyenheim Air Base]] (BA 132) was closed on 16 June 2010; [[Metz-Frescaty Air Base]] (BA 128) was closed on 30 June 2011; [[Brétigny-sur-Orge Air Base]] (BA 217), closed 26 June 2012; [[Cambrai - Épinoy Air Base]] (BA 103), was closed on 28 June 2012; [[Reims – Champagne Air Base]] (June 2012); [[Drachenbronn Air Base]] (BA 901) closed on 17 July 2015; [[Dijon Air Base]] (BA 102), was vacated on 30 June 2016;<ref>[http://www.scramblemagazine.nl/orbats/france/airforce Scramble] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130119032048/http://www.scramblemagazine.nl/orbats/france/airforce |date=19 January 2013 }}. Scramblemagazine.nl. Retrieved on 2013-08-16.</ref> [[Creil Air Base]] (BA 110) vacated on 31 August 2016; and [[Taverny Air Base]] (DA 921), the former [[Strategic Air Forces Command]] headquarters.
==Inventory==
===Aircraft===
{{Duplication|dupe=List of active military aircraft of the French Armed Forces#Air Force|section=yes|date=April 2024}}
{{See also|List of active military aircraft of the French Armed Forces}}
[[File:Dassault Rafale B.jpg|thumb|[[Dassault Rafale|Dassault Rafale B]]]]
[[File:Mirage 2000C in-flight 2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Dassault Mirage 2000]]]]
[[File:Boeing E-3F Sentry (3).jpg|thumb|[[Boeing E-3 Sentry|Boeing E-3F Sentry]]]]
[[File:Airbus A330 MRTT F-UJCG - French Air Force.jpg|thumb|[[Airbus A330 MRTT|Airbus A330 MRTT Phénix]]]]
[[File:French Air Force, F-RBAN, Airbus A400M-180 (49580307822).jpg|thumb|[[Airbus A400M Atlas]]]]
[[File:F-RARF - A330-200 - French Airforce - EVX - Training BA105 CTM1275 - 04365.jpg|thumb|[[Airbus A330-200]] presidential aircraft]]
[[File:Dassault Falcon 2000EX France - Air Force F-RAFC, LUX Luxembourg (Findel), Luxembourg PP1370627014.jpg|thumb|[[Dassault Falcon 2000|Dassault Falcon 2000EX]]]]
[[File:French Air Force EC725 lift off.jpg|thumb|[[Eurocopter EC725|Airbus H225M Caracal]]]]
[[File:Dassault Mirage 2000B, France - Air Force AN1383478.jpg|thumb|[[Dassault Mirage 2000|Dassault Mirage 2000B]] conversion trainer]]
[[File:138th Attack Squadron - General Atomics MQ-9B Reaper 09-4066.jpg|thumb|[[MQ-9 Reaper|General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper]] UAV]]
{| class="wikitable"
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;width:20%"|Aircraft
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;width:15%"|Type
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;width:15%"|Introduced
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;"|In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;"|Notes
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6"| [[Military aircraft#Combat aircraft|Combat aircraft]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Defence key figures – 2024 |url=https://www.defense.gouv.fr/sites/default/files/ministere-armees/Chiffres%20cl%C3%A9s%20de%20la%20D%C3%A9fense%20-%202024%20UK.pdf |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Ministère des Armées}}</ref>
|-
| [[Rafale|Dassault Rafale B/C]]
| [[France]]
| [[Multirole fighter]]
| 2006
| 108
|
* Additional units on order (185 Rafale in total planned for the Air Force)
* The Rafale B replaced the [[Dassault Mirage 2000N/2000D#Mirage 2000N|Mirage 2000N]] in the pre-strategic nuclear strike role
* 40 additional units (Rafale M) in [[Naval Action Force|naval service]]<ref name="dassault-aviation1">{{cite web |date=7 January 2019 |title=Dassault Aviation Group: Order intake, deliveries and backlog in units as of December 31st, 2018 |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2019/01/DASSAULT-AVIATION-Financial-Release-January-7-2019.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110183459/https://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2019/01/DASSAULT-AVIATION-Financial-Release-January-7-2019.pdf |archive-date=10 January 2019 |access-date=10 January 2019 |publisher=Dassault Aviation |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2018/07/Dassault-Aviation-Press-Conference-July-19-2018.pdf |title=Press Conference |access-date=20 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180720135707/https://www.dassault-aviation.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/2/files/2018/07/Dassault-Aviation-Press-Conference-July-19-2018.pdf |archive-date=20 July 2018 |url-status=live |df=dmy-all }}</ref>
* The Rafale has undergone continuous evolution since its introduction through cyclical modernization programs. The F2 standard was the first to be delivered to the French Air Force and was introduced in 2006 (the F1 standard representing the first 10 Rafale production units delivered to the [[French Navy]] as an emergency replacement for its [[F-8 Crusader]] carrier-based fighters). The Rafale F3 entered operational service in 2009 and the F3-R standard in 2018. The Rafale F4 is scheduled to enter operational service in 2025 and the Rafale F5 in the early 2030s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/01/12/france-buys-42-rafale-jets-for-more-than-55-billion/|title=France buys 42 Rafale jets for more than $5.5 billion|last=Ruitenburg|first=Rudy|date=January 12, 2024|website=[[Defense News]]|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://thedefensepost.com/2024/03/26/france-rafale-combat-jets-dassault/|title=Dassault delivers two Rafale Combat Jets to France|last=Manuel|first=Rojef|date=March 26, 2024|website=The Defense Post|access-date=March 2, 2025}}</ref>
|-
| [[Dassault Mirage 2000N/2000D|Dassault Mirage 2000D]]
| France
| [[Bomber#Tactical|Tactical bomber]]
| 1995
| 64
|
* 48 units being modernized (mid-life upgrade program launched in 2016), with first modernized aircraft being delivered in January 2021
* 36 modernized units in service as of 2023<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/dassault-secures-14-year-mirage-2000-maintenance-deal-for-french-air-force/147160.article|title=Dassault secures 14-year Mirage 2000 maintenance deal for French Air Force|last=Hoyle|first=Craig|date=January 18, 2022|website=Flight Global|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/02/06/france-has-extra-mirage-fighter-bombers-ukraine-wants-them-a-deal-is-possible/|title=France Has Extra Mirage Fighter-Bombers, Ukraine Wants Them|last=Axe|first=David|date=February 2, 2024|website=[[Forbes]]|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Mirage 2000C|Dassault Mirage 2000-5F]]
| France
| Multirole fighter
| 1993
| 28
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Airborne early warning and control|AWACS]]
|-
| [[Boeing E-3|Boeing E-3F Sentry]]
| [[United States]]
| [[AEW&C]]
| 1990
| 4
|
* Fitted with the newer CFM56-2 engines
* All upgraded to the Block 40/45 standard, with the first modernized unit delivered in July 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/training-simulation/france-buys-new-sims-for-its-e-3-sentry-awacs-aicrafts/|title=France buys new sims for its E-3 Sentry AWACS aircraft|date=March 20, 2023|website=Shephardmedia.com|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
* To be succeeded by the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) in the early 2030s<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsfrench-air-force-receives-first-upgraded-e-3f-awacs-aircraft-from-boeing-4324393/|title=French Air Force receives first upgraded E-3F AWACS aircraft from Boeing|date=July 22, 2014|website=Air Force Technology|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6"| [[Reconnaissance aircraft|Reconnaissance]]
|-
| [[Dassault Falcon 7X#Falcon 8X Archange|Dassault Falcon Archange]]
| France
| [[SIGINT|SIGINT / ELINT]] / [[electronic warfare|EW]]
| TBD
| 0
|
* New generation strategic [[SIGINT|electromagnetic intelligence gathering]] and [[electronic warfare]] aircraft program launched in November 2019 to succeed France's aging [[Transall C-160|Transall C-160 Gabriel]] (the 2 aircraft were withdrawn from service in May 2022).
* Under development by Dassault and [[Thales Group|Thales]] and based on the [[Dassault Falcon 7X#Falcon 8X|Dassault Falcon 8X]]
* 2 on order and an additional unit planned.
* Service entry expected in 2028.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.intelligenceonline.com/surveillance--interception/2023/05/11/long-awaited-falcon-archange-enters-test-phase,109953768-eve|title=France: Long-awaited Falcon Archange enters test phase|date=November 5, 2023|website=Intelligence Online|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Beechcraft Super King Air|ASLR VADOR]]
| United States
| [[Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance|ISTAR]] / [[SIGINT]]
| 2022
| 2
|
* Based on the Beechcraft Super King Air 350 and equipped with sensors dedicated to both image-based intelligence and electromagnetic intelligence (sensors developed by Thales and Sabena Technics). Also scheduled to integrate [[Safran Group|Safran]]'s Euroflir 410 optronic ball.
* 1 additional unit on order
* Purchase of 8 units in total originally planned but reduced to 3 in 2023. The leasing of additional ISTAR and SIGINT aircraft to complement the 3 VADOR and as an interim solution until the Archange's service entry is now the preferred option.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/first-french-light-reconnaissance-aircraft-to-be-operational-in-2021|title=First French light reconnaissance aircraft to be operational in 2021|last=Huberdeau|first=Emmanuel|date=October 20, 2020|website=Janes.com|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Aerial refueling|Tanker]]
|-
| [[Airbus A330 MRTT|Airbus A330 MRTT Phénix]]
| [[Europe]]
| [[Aerial refueling]] / Airborne [[command and control]] node / [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
| 2018
| 13
| 15 planned in total (3 civilian [[Airbus A330-200]] purchased in 2020 will be converted to complement the 12 MRTT ordered by 2025)<ref name="mrtt">{{cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/airbus-secures-e1-2bn-contracts-to-transform-french-a330-mrtt-fleet/?cf-view&cf-closed|title=Airbus secures €1.2bn contracts to transform French A330 MRTT fleet|last=McNeil|first=Harry|date=October 23, 2023|website=Air Force Technology|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules|Lockheed KC-130J]]
| United States
| Aerial refueling / Transport
| 2019
| 2<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/french-air-force-super-hercules/?cf-view&cf-closed|title=French Air Force receives two KC-130J Super Hercules refuelers|date=February 10, 2020|website=Air Force Technology|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Military transport aircraft|Transport]]
|-
| [[Airbus A400M Atlas]]
| Europe
| [[Airlift|Tactical airlifter with strategic capabilities]] / Aerial refueling
| 2013
| 24
| 26 additional units on order<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abcdlist.nl/a400mf/a400mf.html|title=Airbus A400M Full Production List|first=Peter W.|last=Riool|website=abcdlist.nl|access-date=20 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222225436/http://www.abcdlist.nl/a400mf/a400mf.html|archive-date=22 December 2017|url-status=usurped|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
| [[Lockheed C-130J Super Hercules]]
| United States
| Tactical airlifter
| 2018
| 2<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2021/09/02/france-germany-launch-joint-tactical-air-squadron-and-training-center/|title=France, Germany launch joint tactical air squadron and training center|last=Machi|first=Vivienne|date=September 2, 2021|website=[[Defense News]]|access-date=January 15, 2024}}</ref>
|
|-
| [[Lockheed C-130 Hercules]]
| United States
| Tactical airlifter
| 1987
| 14
| To be replaced by the Future Medium-size Tactical Cargo (FMTC) aircraft<ref>{{cite web|url=https://defence-blog.com/lockheed-martin-receives-51m-support-of-the-french-air-force-c-130-aircraft/|title=Lockheed Martin receives $51M support of the French Air Force C-130 aircraft|last=Jones|first=Colton|date=May 6, 2021|website=Defense-Blog.com|access-date=January 15, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[CASA/IPTN CN-235|CASA CN235]]
| Spain
| Tactical airlifter
| 1993
| 27
| To be replaced by the FMTC aircraft<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aviacionline.com/2023/01/french-air-force-to-modernize-its-casa-cn-235-fleet/|title=French Air Force to modernize its CASA CN-235 fleet|last=Dubois|first=Gastón|date=January 13, 2023|website=aviacionline.com|access-date=January 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/01/20/france-cn235-upgrade-contract/|title=Thales, Sabena to Upgrade French CN-235 Transport Fleet|last=Manuel|first=Robert|date=January 20, 2023|website=The defense Post|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Airbus A330-200]]
| Europe
| [[Air transports of heads of state and government|VIP transport]]
| 2010<hr>2020
| 4
|
* The first unit, in service since November 2010, is the main transport aircraft of the French President and part of the presidential fleet (7 aircraft in total)
* 3 additional units were ordered in August 2020 and delivered between November 2020 and November 2022. They will be converted into MRTT aircraft by 2025 in order to complement the 12 A330 MRTT purchased<ref name="mrtt" />
|-
| [[Dassault Falcon 7X]]
| France
| VIP transport
| 2009
| 2
|
* Part of presidential fleet
* In service since 2009 and 2010 respectively<ref>{{cite web|url=https://greekcitytimes.com/2021/10/21/france-greece-dassault-falcon-7x/|title=France delivers Greece with Dassault Falcon 7x aircraft free of charge|date=October 21, 2021|website=Greek City Times|access-date=January 15, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Dassault Falcon 2000|Dassault Falcon 2000EX/LX]]
| France
| VIP transport
| 2011
| 2
| Part of the presidential fleet
|-
| [[Dassault Falcon 900]]
| France
| VIP transport
| 1991
| 2
| Part of the presidential fleet<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fort.aero/part-145/dassault-falcon-900/|title=Dassault Falcon 900: Elevating French Aviation Excellence To New Heights|date=July 23, 2023|website=fort.aero|access-date=June 1, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Socata TBM 700]]
| France
| [[Liaison aircraft]]
| 1990
| 15
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flyingmag.com/daher-french-military/|title=French Military Renews Contract with Daher for TBM 700 Fleet|last=Boatman|first=Julie|date=November 8, 2021|website=Flying Magazine|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[DHC-6 Twin Otter]]
| [[Canada]]
| Liaison aircraft
| 1978
| 5
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Helicopter]]
|-
| [[Eurocopter EC725|Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal]]
| Europe
| Transport / [[Combat search and rescue|CSAR]] helicopter
| 2006
| 10
|
* 32 H225M Caracal and H225 units scheduled to be in service by 2030 and all 36 planned by 2035
* 10 Caracal in service as of 2021, with additional units on order<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airrecognition.com/index.php/news/defense-aviation-news/2021/april/7200-france-orders-8-additional-h225m-caracal-helicopters.html |title=France orders 8 additional H225M Caracal helicopters |publisher=Airrecognition.com |date=2021-04-16 |access-date=2022-02-26}}</ref>
* All Caracal helicopters in service with the [[French Army]] (8 units) will also be transferred to the Air and Space Force after delivery of 18 [[NH90|NH90 Forces Spéciales]] to the army's [[4th Special Forces Helicopter Regiment]].
|-
| [[Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma|Airbus Helicopters H225]]
| Europe
| Transport / [[Search and rescue|SAR]] helicopter
| 2016
| 2
| Additional units on order
|-
| [[Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma|Airbus Helicopters H215 Super Puma]]
| France
| VIP transport helicopter
| 1984
| 3
|
* Dedicated to presidential and governmental transport
* Being replaced by the Airbus H225
|-
| [[Aérospatiale SA330 Puma]]
| France
| Medium utility helicopter
| 1974
| 18
| Being replaced by the H225M Caracal
|-
| [[Eurocopter Fennec|Eurocopter AS555 Fennec]]
| Europe
| Light utility helicopter
| 1990
| 40
| To be replaced by the [[Airbus Helicopters H160#Variants|Airbus Helicopters H160M Guépard]]
|-
| [[Airbus Helicopters H160#Variants|Airbus Helicopters H160M Guépard]]
| Europe
| Medium multirole helicopter
| TBD
| 0
| 40 units out of the 180 planned for the [[French Armed Forces]] are destined for the Air and Space Force.
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Trainer aircraft]]
|-
| [[Mirage 2000|Dassault Mirage 2000B-S5]]
| France
| [[Trainer aircraft|Conversion trainer]]
| 1993
| 7
|
|-
| [[Pilatus PC-21]]
| [[Switzerland]]
| [[Advanced trainer]]
| 2018
| 26
|
|-
| [[Embraer EMB 121 Xingu]]
| [[Brazil]]
| [[Trainer aircraft|Multi-engine trainer]]
| 1982
| 22
|
|-
| [[Beechcraft Super King Air|Beechcraft Super King Air 350 Extended Range]]
| United States
| [[Trainer aircraft|Multi-engine trainer / Navigation trainer]]
| 2020
| 1
| Training outsourced to CAE Aviation
|-
| [[Grob 120|Grob 120A-F]]
| [[Germany]]
| [[Trainer aircraft|Basic trainer]]
| 2007
| 18
| Fleet outsourced to Airbus Flight Academy<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/eads-inks-deal-with-grob-for-18-g-120-trainers-for-10-year-french-air-force-training-programme/69337.article|title=EADS inks deal with Grob for 18 G-120 trainers for 10-year French Air force training programme|last=Wastnage|first=Justin|date=August 31, 2006|website=Flight Global|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Cirrus SR20]]
| United States
| [[Trainer aircraft|Ab initio trainer]]
| 2013
| 16
| Fleet outsourced to Airbus Flight Academy
|-
| [[Cirrus SR22]]
| United States
| [[Trainer aircraft|Ab initio trainer]]
| 2013
| 9
| Fleet outsourced to Airbus Flight Academy<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cirrus-aircraft-chosen-for-french-air-force-167171095.html|title=Cirrus Aircraft Chosen For French Air Force|date=August 23, 2012|website=PR Newswire|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Diamond HK36 Super Dimona]]
| [[Austria]]
| [[Motor glider]]
| 2010
| 5
|
|-
| [[Eurocopter EC725|Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal]]
| Europe
| [[Helicopter|Rotorcraft trainer]]
| 2006
| 1
|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2019-06-french-air-force-bolsters-its-fleet-of-h225ms|title=French Air Force bolsters it's fleet of H225Ms|date=June 14, 2019|website=airbus.com|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Alpha Jet|Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet]]
| France<br />Germany
| [[Jet trainer|Advanced jet trainer]]<br />[[Trainer aircraft|Aerobatic display]]
| 1978
| 16
|
*The last six student fighter pilots trained on the Alpha Jet have received their badges in March 2023. The 53 aircraft dedicated to advanced jet training were thus retired and as of April 2024, discussions are taking place with the United Kingdom and Spain for a joint program to replace the jet trainer. The new aircraft is expected by 2032.
*18 units remain in service with the [[Patrouille de France]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/france-bids-adieu-to-dassault-alpha-jet-as-fighter-training-aircraft|title=France bids adieu to Dassault Alpha Jet as fighter training aircraft|website=Aerotime.aero|date=20 March 2023 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> 2 lost in 2025<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 25, 2025 |title=Two French air display jets crash in rehearsal |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cpv4gxx2dwzo |access-date=March 25, 2025 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |language=en}}</ref>
|-
| [[Extra EA-300]]
| Germany
| [[Trainer aircraft|Aerobatic display]]
| 2005
| 3
|
|-
! style="align: center; background: lavender;" colspan="6" | [[Unmanned aerial vehicle|UAVs]]
|-
| [[General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper]]
| United States
| ISTAR / [[Unmanned combat aerial vehicle|UCAV]]
| 2013
| 12
|
* 4 systems (12 drones) in service as of 2023
* To be replaced by at least 6 [[Eurodrone]] systems by 2035 (first system to be delivered by 2030)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsfrench-air-force-completes-first-flight-of-mq-9-reaper-unmanned-aircraft-5866960/|title=French Air Force completes first flight of MQ-9 Reaper unnamed aircraft|date=July 10, 2017|website=Air Force Technology|access-date=May 31, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/08/25/france-reaper-drone-airstrike/|title=French MQ-9 Reaper Block 5 Drone Executes First Airstrike|last=Reyes|first=Hercules|date=August 25, 2021|website=The Defense Post|access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|}
==
[[File:Maquette Composante Spatiale Optique.jpg|thumb|Mock-up of a [[Composante Spatiale Optique|CSO]] satellite]]
[[File:Pléiades (satellite).jpg|thumb|Mock-up of a [[Pléiades (satellite)|Pléiades]] satellite]]
[[File:CERES (satellite).jpg|thumb|Mock-up of a [[CERES (satellite)|CERES]] satellite]]
[[File:Syracuse 4 models at Paris Air Show 2017.jpg|thumb|Mock-up of the two [[Syracuse (satellite)|Syracuse IV]] satellites]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Name
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Type
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Introduced
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Notes
|-
| [[Airbus Defence and Space]] / [[Thales Alenia Space]]
[[Composante Spatiale Optique|CSO]]
| France
| [[Earth observation satellite|Earth observation constellation]]
| 2018
| 3 satellites
|
* Successor of the Helios 2 constellation
* CSO-1 launched in December 2018, CSO-2 in December 2020 and CSO-3 in March 2025
* To be succeeded by a new generation optical intelligence constellation (IRIS) from 2028 onwards<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2020-12-airbus-built-cso-2-french-military-earth-observation-satellite|title=Airbus-built CSO-2 French military Earth observation satellite launched successfully|date=December 28, 2020|website=Airbus.com|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Airbus Defence and Space]]
'''Pléiades Neo'''
| France
| Earth observation constellation
| 2021
| 2 satellites
|
* Successor of the Pléiades constellation
* Pléiades Neo 3 and 4 launched in April and August 2021 respectively
* 4 satellites originally planned but the Pléiades Neo 5 and 6 were lost in December 2022 as a result of the failure of [[Vega C flight VV22]]
|-
| [[Airbus Defence and Space]]
[[Pléiades (satellite)|Pléaides]]
| France
| Earth observation constellation
| 2011
| 2 satellites
|
* Pléiades 1A launched in December 2011 and Pléiades 1B in December 2012
* Still operational as of 2023
|-
| [[Airbus Defence and Space]]
[[Helios 2A|Helios 2]]
| France
| Earth observation constellation
| 2004
| 2 satellites
|
* Successor of the Helios 1 constellation (launched in 1995 and decommissioned in 2012)
* Helios 2A launched in December 2004 and Helios 2B in December 2009
* Still operational as of 2023
|-
| [[Airbus Defence and Space]] / [[Thales Alenia Space]]
[[CERES (satellite)|CERES]]
| France
| [[Signals intelligence|Electromagnetic intelligence constellation]]
| 2021
| 3 satellites
|
* All 3 CERES satellites launched in November 2021
* To be succeeded by a new generation electromagnetic intelligence constellation (CELESTE) from 2029 onwards
|-
| [[Thales Alenia Space]] / [[Airbus Defence and Space]]
[[Syracuse (satellite)#Syracuse IV|Syracuse IV]]
| France
| [[Communications satellite|Telecommunication satellite constellation]]
| 2021
| 2 satellites
|
* Successor of the Syracuse III constellation
* Syracuse 4A launched in October 2021 and Syracuse 4B launched in July 2023.
* 3 satellites originally planned but in April 2023, it was announced the first two satellites would be more than sufficient and that the last, Syracuse 4C (previously scheduled to be launched by 2025), would be cancelled in favor of financing the [[European Union]]'s [[IRIS²]] [[satellite internet constellation]]. It was also announced a program to develop the next generation of communications satellite constellation (Syracuse V) would be launched in the 2024–2030 French Military Planning Law to succeed the Syracuse 4A and Syracuse 4B satellites in the 2030s.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cieletespace.fr/actualites/ariane-5-reussit-son-dernier-envol-avant-de-lancer-le-telescope-james-webb |title=Ariane 5 réussit son dernier envol avant de lancer le télescope James Webb |date=25 October 2021 |access-date=21 February 2022 |language=fr |work=Ciel & espace}}</ref>
|-
| [[Thales Alenia Space]]
[[Syracuse (satellite)#Syracuse III|Syracuse III]]
| France
| Telecommunication satellite constellation
| 2005
| 2 satellites
|
* Syracuse 3A launched in October 2005 and Syracuse 3B in August 2006.
* Still operational as of 2023
|-
| [[Thales Alenia Space]]
'''Sicral 2'''
| France<br />[[Italy]]
| Telecommunication satellite
| 2015
| 1 satellite
| Launched in April 2015
|-
| [[Thales Alenia Space]]
[[Athena-Fidus]]
| France<br />Italy
| Telecommunication satellite
| 2014
| 1 satellite
| Launched in February 2014
|-
| [[Galileo (satellite navigation)|Galileo]]
| Europe
| [[satellite navigation|Global navigation satellite system]]
| 2011
| 24 satellites
| Being launched since October 2011
|-
|}
===
[[File:Système SAMP-T (14 juillet 2021) (4).jpg|thumb|A [[SAMP/T]] launch module deployed]]
[[File:Salon du Bourget 20090619 115.jpg|thumb|[[Crotale NG]]]]
{| class="wikitable"
|+
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |Name
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Origin
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Type
! style="text-align:l center; background:#acc;" |Introduced
! style="text-align:center; background:#acc;" |In service
! style="text-align: center; background:#acc;" |Notes
|-
| [[SAMP/T|Eurosam SAMP/T Mamba]]
| France<br />Italy
| [[High to medium air defense]] system
| 2011
| 8 batteries
|
* First French MAMBA squadron achieved operational status in October 2011
* To be succeeded by the SAMP/T NG (New Generation)
* 12 SAMP/T NG batteries planned in total (8 to be in service by 2030 and 12 by 2035)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/weapons/a44287853/france-germany-dispute-mamba-air-defenses-ukraine/|title=France & Germany Are Beefing Over Air Defense Batteries|last=Roblin|first=Sebastien|date=June 23, 2023|website=Popular Mechanics|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Crotale NG|Thales Crotale NG]]
| France
| [[Short range air defense]] system
| 1990
| 8–10 units
|
* To be replaced by the [[MICA (missile)|VL MICA NG]] medium-range surface-to-air missile system
* 12 VL MICA NG batteries planned in total (9 to enter service by 2030 et 12 by 2035)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensemirror.com/news/33148/France_Delivers_2_Crotale_NG_Air_Defense_Systems|title=France Delivers 2 Crotale NG Air Defense Systems|date=November 23, 2022|website=Defense Mirror|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| [[Thales Group|Thales]]/CS Group PARADE
| France
| Modular counter-drone platform
| 2023
| Unknown
|
* Development led by Thales and CS Group
* 6 systems to be delivered to the French Armed Forces in 2023 (the number of systems going to the Air and Space Force is unknown)
* 15 systems planned in total, with full delivery to be completed by 2030<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/04/28/thales-cs-group-team-to-build-new-counter-drone-systems-for-french-military/|title=Thales, CS Group team up to build new counter-drone systems for French military|last=Machi|first=Vivienne|date=April 28, 2023|website=[[Defense News]]|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
|-
| MC2 Technologies NEROD F5
| France
| Man-portable anti-drone jamming system
| 2020
| Unknown
| The NEROD F5 is a microwave jammer capable of disrupting and neutralizing all communication protocols used by drones. It neutralizes:
* the usual or improvised mini and micro drones by acting simultaneously on 4 remote control frequencies among 5 available
* the satellite navigation system of the targeted drone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/digital-show-dailies/eurosatory/2018/06/08/your-quadcopter-drone-may-not-survive-after-the-french-military-spots-it/|title=Your quadcopter drone may not survive after the French military spots it|last=Tran|first=Pierre|date=June 8, 2018|website=[[Defense News]]|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
|-
|}
===Surveillance systems===
The Air and Space Force operates a wide range of air and space surveillance systems. Among them, the:
* ''23 CM''
* ''ALADIN NGD'' tactical and air-transportable low- and very-low-altitude coverage radars
* ''ARES''
* ''CENTAURE'' primary and secondary panoramic radars
* [[Graves (system)|GRAVES]] space surveillance system
* [[Ground Master 400|Ground Master 406]] and [[Ground Master 400|403]] [[Active electronically scanned array|AESA]] long-range air defense [[3D radar]]s
* [[Ground Master 200]] AESA medium-range air defense 3D radars
* ''PAR NG'' new-generation precision approach radars
* ''SAT 3D''
* ''SATAM''
* ''TRAC 2400'' long-range two-dimensional electronically scanned radars
* ''TRS 22XX'' and ''TRS 2215'' three-dimensional long-range electronically scanned radars
== Personnel ==
[[File:French Armed Forces2.JPEG|thumb|right|240px|{{Lang|fr|[[Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air]]|italic=no}} at the opening of a [[war memorial]]]]
[[File:Calot armée de l'air.png|thumb|160px|Side cap of the French Air and Space Force personnel]]
Since the end of the [[Algerian War]], the French Air and Space Force has comprised about 17 to 19% of the [[French Armed Forces]].<ref>Michel L. Martin, Le déclin de l'armée de masse en France. Note sur quelques paramètres organisationnels, Revue française de sociologie, volume 22, number 22-1, year 1981, pages 87–115 [https://www.persee.fr/web/revues/home/prescript/article/rfsoc 0035-2969 1981 num 22 1 3390]</ref> In 1990, at the end of the [[Cold War]], numbers reached 56,400 military personnel under contract, out of which 36,300 were part of conscription and 5,400 civilians.<ref>Bilan social 90, Editor : Direction de la fonction militaire et du personnel civil, 1990, total pages 62, passage 6 to 8 [http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/13304/122222/file/1990.pdf format=PDF] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924080507/http://www.defense.gouv.fr/content/download/13304/122222/file/1990.pdf |date=24 September 2015 }}</ref>
In 2008, forecasts for personnel of the French Air Force were expected to number 50,000 out of which 44,000 aviators on the horizon in 2014.
In 2010, the number personnel of the French Air Force was reduced to 51,100 men and women (20%) out of which: 13% [[Ranks in the French Air Force|officers]]; 55% [[Ranks in the French Air Force|sous-officier]]; 29% air military technicians (MTA); 3% volunteers of national service and [[Ranks in the French Air Force|aspirant]] volunteers; 6,500 civilians (14%). They form several functions:
; Non-flying personnel
Non-navigating personnel of the French Air and Space Force include and are not limited to : Systems Aerial Mechanics ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:mécanicien d'aéronefs|mécanicien système aéronautique]]}}), Aerial Controllers ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:contrôleur aérien|contrôleur aérien]]}}), [[Meteorologist]]s ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:météorologue|météorologue]]}}), Administrative Personnel, Air Parachute Commandos ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:Commandos parachutistes de l'air|Commandos parachutistes de l'air]]}}), in Informatics, in Infrastructures, in Intelligence, Commissioner of the Armies ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:commissaire des armées|Commissaire]]}}) (Administrator Task).
; Flying personnel
Pilots, Mechanical Navigating Officer ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:Officier mécanicien navigant|Mécanicien Navigant]]}}), Navigating Arms Systems Officer ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:Navigateur aérien|Navigateur Officier Système d'Armes]]}}) (NOSA), Combat Air Medic ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:convoyeur de l'air|Convoyeur de l'Air]]}}) (CVA).
=== Training of personnel ===
[[File:Ecole Air Bastille Day 2007.jpg|thumb|Students of the [[École de l'air]] (Air School) during the [[Bastille Day military parade|military parade of July 14th]] in 2007 on the [[Champs-Élysées]]]]
[[Ranks in the French Air Force|Officers]], within their recruitment and future specialty, are trained at:
* [[École de l'air]] ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:École de l'air|École de l'air]]}}) (Air School) de Provence<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english-version.ecole-air-espace.fr/14249-2/14285-2/|title=History & Traditions|website=english-version.ecole-air-espace.fr|access-date=January 14, 2024}}</ref>
* [[École Militaire de l'Air]] ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:École militaire de l'air|École militaire de l'air]]}}) (Military Air School)
* École des commissaires des armées ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:École des commissaires des armées|École des commissaires des armées]]}}) (Commissioners Armies School)
* [[École de pilotage de l'Armée de l'air]] ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:École de pilotage de l'Armée de l'air|École de pilotage de l'Armée de l'air]]}}) (Piloting School of the French Air and Space Force)
* [[École de l'aviation de transport]] ({{langx|fr|École de l'aviation de transport}}) (Aviation Transport School)
* [[École de l'aviation de chasse]] ({{langx|fr|École de l'aviation de chasse}}) (Aviation Hunter Fighter Pilot School)
* [[École de transition opérationnelle]] ({{langx|fr|École de transition opérationnelle}}) (Operational Transition School)
Officers of the French Air and Space Force are spread in three corps:
* Air Officer ({{langx|fr|Officiers de l'air}})
* Officer Mechanics ({{langx|fr|Officiers Mécaniciens}})
* Aerial Base Officer ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:officiers des bases de l'air|officiers des bases de l'air]]}}), amongst which, officers of the Air Parachute Commandos ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:Commandos parachutistes de l'air|Commandos parachutistes de l'air]]}}) are featured.
Non-commissioned officers (Sous-Officiers) are trained at:
* École de formation des sous-officiers de l'Armée de l'air ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:École de formation des sous-officiers de l'Armée de l'air|École de formation des sous-officiers de l'Armée de l'air]]}}) (EFSOAA) de Rochefort
* École interarmées ({{langx|fr|École interarmées}}) (Inter-arm School) for administrative specialists
* Escadron de formation des commandos de l'air ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:Escadron de formation des commandos de l'air|Escadron de formation des commandos de l'air]]}}) (EFCA) at [[Orange-Caritat Air Base]] (BA 115) for the personnel concerned
Military Air Technicians ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:militaire technicien de l'air|militaires techniciens de l’air]]}}) having been trained until 1 July 2015 at the Center of Elementary Military Formation ({{langx|fr|" Centre de formation militaire élémentaire "}}) of the Technical Instruction School of the French Air and Space Force ({{langx|fr|[[:fr:École d'enseignement technique de l'Armée de l'air|École d'enseignement technique de l'Armée de l'air]]}}) of Saintes. Since 1 July 2015, training has taken place at Orange-Caritat Air Base, within the " Operational Combatant Preparation Center of the Air Force " ({{langx|fr|Centre de préparation opérationnelle du combattant de l'Armée de l'air}}).
[[Air traffic controller]]s are trained at the Center of Instruction Control and Air Defense ({{langx|fr|Centre d'Instruction du Contrôle et de la Défense Aérienne}}).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://raf.mod.uk/news/articles/uk-and-french-conduct-joint-tactical-air-traffic-control-training/|title=UK and French conduct Joint Tactical Air Traffic Control training|date=August 3, 2021|website=Royal Air Force|access-date=May 31, 2024}}</ref>
==Ranks==
{{Main|Ranks in the French Air and Space Force}}
===Commissioned officer ranks===
The rank insignia of [[commissioned officer]]s.
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armed Forces/OF/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OF/France}}
|}
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px; text-align:center;"
|- bgcolor="#CCCCCC"
! Rank group || colspan=2| Aspirant student || colspan=2| Officer cadet
|-
| rowspan=3|
| [[File:French Air Force-aspirant.svg|50px]]
| [[File:French Air Force-aspirant élève.svg|50px]]
| [[File:French Air Force-élève officier.svg|50px]]
| [[File:French Air Force-aspirant EOPN.svg|50px]]
|-
| {{lang|fr|Aspirant élève de l'École de l'air}}
| {{lang|fr|Aspirant élève de l'École militaire de l'air}}
| {{lang|fr|Élève officier de l'École de l'air}}
| {{lang|fr|Elève officier du personnel navigant}}
|}
===Other ranks===
The rank insignia of [[non-commissioned officer]]s and [[Enlisted rank|enlisted personnel]].
{| style="border:1px solid #8888aa; background-color:#f7f8ff; padding:5px; font-size:95%; margin: 0px 12px 12px 0px;"
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Armies/OR/Blank}}
{{Ranks and Insignia of NATO Air Forces/OR/France}}
|}
==See also==
{{Portal|France}}
* [[List of Escadres of the French Air Force]]
* [[List of French Air and Space Force aircraft squadrons]]
* [[French Naval Aviation]]
* [[List of military aircraft of France]]
== Notes ==
{{NoteFoot}}
==References==
; Citations
{{Reflist}}
== Further reading ==
* Olivier, Jean-Marc, (ed.), ''Histoire de l'armée de l'air et des forces aériennes françaises du XVIII<sup>e</sup> siècle à nos jours" ''[History of the Air Force and French aerial forces since the 18th century to the present], Toulouse, Privat, 2014, 552 p.
* {{cite book |last= Pither|first= Tony|title= The Boeing 707 720 and C-135|year= 1998|publisher= [[Air-Britain|Air-Britain (Historians) Ltd]]|___location=England |isbn=978-0-85130-236-2}}
* Diego Ruiz Palmer, "France's Military Command Structures in the 1990s," in Thomas-Durell Young, Command in NATO After the Cold War: Alliance, National and Multinational Considerations, U.S. Army Strategic Studies Institute, June 1997
==External links==
{{Commons category|French Air and Space Force}}
* {{in lang|fr}}
* * {{in lang|fr}} [http://www.senat.fr/rap/a05-102-6/a05-102-616.html List of air bases], appendix of the budget bill for 2006, [[French Senate]] {{Clear}}
{{French Air Force Vehicle}}
{{Allied Air Command}}
{{Air forces in Europe}}
{{Air forces}}
{{Space forces}}
{{Politics of outer space}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Interwiki extra|qid=Q820827}}
[[Category:French Air and Space Force| ]]
[[
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1909]]
[[Category:1909 establishments in France]]
| |||