French Air and Space Force facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Air and Space Force
Armée de l'air et de l'espace
Founded	Part of the French Army in 1909 – An independent service arm in 1934 2 July 1934; 90 years ago (1934-07-02) (official)
Country	France
Type	Air and space force
Role	Aerial and space warfare
Size	40,500 personnel (2021) 917 aircraft
Part of	French Armed Forces
Colours
Engagements	World War I World War II Indochina War Algerian War Chadian–Libyan conflict Gulf War Kosovo War War in Afghanistan Opération Harmattan Military intervention against ISIL Operation Serval Operation Barkhane
Commanders
Chief of the Armed Forces	President Emmanuel Macron
Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force	Général d'armée aérienne Stéphane Mille [fr]
Insignia
Roundel
Fin flash
Aircraft flown
Electronic warfare	E-3 Sentry
Fighter	Rafale, Mirage 2000
Helicopter	AS532 Cougar, Fennec, EC725 Caracal
Trainer	Alpha Jet, Pilatus PC-21, SOCATA TBM, Extra EA-300
Transport	Lockheed C-130, Airbus A310, Airbus A330, Airbus A400M, Dassault Falcon 7X, Dassault Falcon 900, Dassault Falcon 2000, Transall C-160, Boeing C-135FR

The French Air and Space Force (AAE), known in French as Armée de l'air et de l'espace, is France's military branch that operates in the sky and in space. It is a key part of the French Armed Forces.

It started in 1909 as a small part of the French Army. By 1934, it became its own independent military service. In 2020, its name changed to include "Space." This change shows its new focus on missions in outer space.

As of 2021, about 40,500 people work for the French Air and Space Force. They use a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets and transport planes.

The leader of the French Air and Space Force is called the Chief of Staff. This person reports to the Chief of the Defence Staff, who then answers to the civilian Minister of the Armed Forces.

History of French Airpower

Early Days of Flight

Starting the Air Service

The French Air Service, called Service Aéronautique, began in 1909. This was when the French War Minister bought the first airplane, a Wright Biplane. More planes, like a Bleriot and two Farmans, were added the next year.

By 1910, General Pierre Roques was put in charge of this new "Fifth Service." In 1912, France officially created its air arm. It planned to have three types of aircraft: for scouting, bombing, and fighting other planes.

Inventing the Fighter Plane

France was one of the first countries to build aircraft. At the start of World War I in 1914, France had 148 planes and 15 airships. These planes were used to help ground forces.

During the war, pilots tried to use light weapons against enemy planes. Roland Garros found a way to shoot a machine gun through his plane's propeller. This was a big step in making fighter planes. Later, Anthony Fokker improved this idea with a special gear. This gear allowed machine guns to fire without hitting the propeller.

Company of aviators, September 1914, by Jules Gervais-Courtellemont

French aircraft during World War I, flying over German held territory (1915)

Nieuport-Delage NiD.29 C.1 fighter used after World War I.

Forming Fighter Groups

In 1916, during the Verdun Offensive, new ways of fighting were needed. A skilled pilot named Charles de Tricornet de Rose created a special unit. This unit's job was to stop German planes from flying over French lines.

This group, called Groupement de Chasse, was very successful. Famous pilots like Georges Guynemer started their careers here. After this success, France created more large fighter groups. These groups helped in major battles like the Battle of the Somme.

Bringing Airpower Together

As the war continued, France kept bringing more airpower together. By 1918, they had formed large units called Escadres de Combat. Each escadre had many fighter planes.

Later, these escadres were combined into an even bigger unit called the Division Aerienne. This division also included bombing planes and escort planes. This showed how France was becoming very strong in the air.

The Division Aerienne fought in major battles, like the Second Battle of the Marne. By the end of World War I in November 1918, France had 3,608 planes. French airmen had destroyed many enemy planes and balloons. However, many French pilots and observers also lost their lives.

Between the World Wars

After World War I, France continued to develop its air force. In 1922, military aviation became a "special arm" of the French Army. It was not until July 2, 1934, that it became a fully independent military branch.

During this time, the French Air Force also started its first paratrooper units. These units would later become the special forces known as the Air Parachute Commandos. The Air Force also kept a presence in France's colonies around the world.

World War II and Beyond

The French Air Force played a role in World War II, especially during the Battle of France in 1940. After the war, France rebuilt its aircraft industry.

A North American T-28 Trojan, used against guerrillas during the Algerian War

Since 1945, the French Air Force has been involved in several conflicts. These include the First Indochina War and the Algerian War. It has also participated in operations in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, Mali, and Iraq.

From 1964 to 1971, the French Air Force was responsible for France's nuclear weapons. This included using Dassault Mirage IV bombers and ballistic missiles.

Mirage IIIC of EC 2/10 "Seine" pictured in 1980 armed with a Matra R.530

After 1962, France focused more on nuclear defense. This led to big changes in the Air Force's structure. New commands were created, like the Strategic Air Forces Command. The Dassault Mirage IV was a key plane for nuclear strikes.

In 1994, the special forces unit called Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air was restarted.

Mirage 2000 in flight

Logo between 1989 and 2010

The French Air Force began replacing older planes with newer ones. The Airbus A400M transport aircraft and the Dassault Rafale fighter jet were introduced. The first Rafale squadron became ready for action in 2006.

In 2009, France rejoined the NATO Military Command Structure. France played a big role in the no-fly zone over Libya in 2011. In 2014, the last Dassault Mirage F1 planes were retired and replaced by Rafales.

Logo between 2010 and 2020

On July 13, 2019, President Emmanuel Macron announced a new space command. This command would be part of the French Air Force. This led to the Air Force changing its name to the French Air and Space Force. This change shows its new focus on space defense. The new name became official on July 24, 2020.

How the Air and Space Force is Organized

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) leads the service. This person decides how the Air and Space Force operates. They also advise the Chief of the Defence Staff on how to use the Air and Space Force.

The Air and Space Force is divided into several main parts. These include the headquarters, different forces, air bases, and human resources. The main headquarters are in Paris, at the Balard armed forces complex.

Main Commands

The French Air and Space Force has several important commands:

• The Commandement de la Défense Aérienne et des Opérations Aériennes (CDAOA) handles air defense and operations. It watches French airspace and manages all ongoing air missions.
• The Strategic Air Forces Command (CFAS) is in charge of France's nuclear strike units. It also manages tanker and strategic transport aircraft.
• The Air Forces Command (CFA) prepares units for their missions. It includes brigades for fighters, transport, airspace control, and special forces.
• The French Space Command (CDE) focuses on space operations. It manages space surveillance and control. This command was added in 2019, leading to the name change of the Air Force.

Wings, Squadrons, and Flights

A Wing (called Escadre in French) is a large group of units. It usually has different types of aircraft or units that do similar missions. Wings were brought back in 2014 to improve how aircraft maintenance and flying units work together.

A Squadron (Escadron) is a basic operational unit. It usually has about twenty aircraft for fighter squadrons. Transport squadrons might have fewer, especially for larger planes.

A Flight (Escadrille) is a smaller unit within a squadron. Pilots are assigned to flights, but equipment is managed at the squadron level. Many flights keep the traditions and names of famous units from World War I.

Special Forces

The Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air are the special forces of the French Air and Space Force. They include:

• Protection squadrons: These units guard air bases both in France and abroad.
• Air Parachute Commandos (CPA 10, CPA 20, CPA 30): These are special operations units. They can intervene quickly and strengthen security at important air locations.

Air Bases

Air bases in Metropolitan France

The French Air and Space Force uses a network of air bases. These bases are where planes take off, land, and are maintained. They also house staff, control centers, and training schools.

Some important air bases in France include:

• BA 105 Évreux-Fauville Air Base: Focuses on command, support, and air transport.
• BA 113 Saint-Dizier – Robinson Air Base: Home to Rafale fighter jets.
• BA 123 Orléans – Bricy Air Base: A major air transport hub with Airbus A400M Atlas and Lockheed C-130 Hercules planes.
• BA 702 Avord Air Base: Important for nuclear strike support and AWACS planes.
• BA 118 Mont-de-Marsan Air Base: Another home for Rafale jets and a test center.
• BA 125 Istres-Le Tubé Air Base: Used for inflight refueling and as a test center.

A French Air and Space Force Dassault Rafale B at RIAT in 2009

Crotale missile-launchers of the Air Defense Ground-to-Air Squadron of the French Air and Space Force

The French Air and Space Force also has bases overseas. These include locations in Senegal, Djibouti, French Guiana, and Abu Dhabi. Many air bases have closed since 2009 as the force has become more efficient. An air base commander is in charge of all units at their base.

Aircraft and Equipment

Aircraft

Dassault Rafale B

Dassault Mirage 2000-5F

Boeing E-3F Sentry

Airbus A330 MRTT Phénix

Airbus A400M Atlas

Airbus A330-200 presidential aircraft

Dassault Falcon 2000EX

Airbus H225M Caracal

Dassault Mirage 2000B conversion trainer

General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper UAV

Satellites

Mock-up of a CSO satellite

Mock-up of a Pléiades satellite

Mock-up of a CERES satellite

Mock-up of the two Syracuse IV satellites

Air Defense Systems

A SAMP/T launch module deployed

Crotale NG

Personnel

Fusiliers Commandos de l'Air at the opening of a war memorial

Side cap of the French Air and Space Force personnel

The French Air and Space Force has about 40,500 military members. They include officers, non-commissioned officers, and air military technicians. There are also civilians who work for the force.

People in the Air and Space Force have many different jobs. Some are pilots, flying the aircraft. Others are mechanics who keep the planes working. There are also air traffic controllers, meteorologists, and special forces members.

Training for Personnel

Students of the École de l'air (Air School) during the military parade of July 14th in 2007 on the Champs-Élysées

Officers in the French Air and Space Force get their training at special schools. These include the Air School (École de l'air) and the Military Air School. There are also specific schools for piloting, transport aviation, and fighter pilot training.

Non-commissioned officers (like sergeants) train at the EFSOAA school in Rochefort. Air military technicians also receive special training. Air traffic controllers learn their skills at the Instruction Control and Air Defense Center.

Ranks

Officers

NATO code	OF-10		OF-9		OF-8		OF-7		OF-6		OF-5		OF-4		OF-3		OF-2		OF-1						OF(D)						Student officer
French Air and Space Force
			Général d´armée aérienne		Général de corps aérien		Général de division aérienne		Général de brigade aérienne		Colonel		Lieutenant-colonel		Commandant		Capitaine		Lieutenant			Sous-lieutenant			Aspirant						Élève-officier

Enlisted Personnel

NATO code	OR-9						OR-8		OR-7		OR-6						OR-5						OR-4				OR-3		OR-2						OR-1
French Air and Space Force
	Major			Adjudant-chef			Adjudant				Sergent-chef						Sergent						Caporal-chef				Caporal		Aviateur 1e classe						Aviateur 2e classe

See also

In Spanish: Ejército del Aire y del Espacio (Francia) para niños

• 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