French Air Force (Armée de l'Air)

George1 wrote:The first C-130J aircraft for the French Air Force

The American corporation Lockheed Martin distributed photos of the rolling out on October 20, 2017 at its company in Marietta, Georgia, the first medium military transport aircraft C-130J-30 Super Hercules built for the French Air Force (serial number 5836, French number 61-RO).







https://bmpd.livejournal.com/2907060.html

George1 wrote:

Isn't it similar to A400M ? Why are they buying US stuff while they produce their own equivalent ?

George1 wrote:The French Air Force receives the first Airbus A330 MRTT

On July 6, 2018, the Ministry of the Armed Forces of France distributed photographs of the first French-built Airbus A330 MRTT (French official name Phénix) refueling tank in the full color of the French Air Force. It is reported that the aircraft (serial number 1735) will be handed over to the French Air Force in the near future and on July 14 will take part in the air of the military parade in Paris in honor of the Bastille Day.







https://bmpd.livejournal.com/3265547.html

French successes in the fight against Russia

French Air Force received all ordered Pilatus PC-21 training aircraft

It’s a First: U.S. F-22 Raptor and French F3-R Rafale Fly Together Over Hawaii

It’s not every day that you see a French Air and Space Force (FASF) fighter fly over the Hawaiian Islands, especially “playing nice” with another fierce air dominator, like the F-22 Raptor. But even the most feared fighters need to behave and cooperate, for the higher purpose. If individually they are each a force to be reckoned with, together they can truly dazzle.

Last week’s international air combat training at the Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, in Hawaii, was the first time a French F3-R Rafale showcased its abilities in the Hawaiian airspace. As the “host”, the Hawaii Air National Guard (ANG) F-22 Raptor was the one to lead the way. The 2 were the main players in the Wakea exercise, supported by two A400M Atlas 4-engine turboprop military transport aircraft, one A330 Phenix refuelling tanker, and 170 FASF personnel.

The French Rafale was developed by Dassault Aviation as the only aircraft in the world that can be considered “totally omnirole”. That’s a big statement, but what is certain is its ability to conduct an entire array of combat missions, from interception and air-to-air combat, to deep strikes, maritime strikes, nuclear deterrence, plus real-time tactical reconnaissance.

Another one of the F3-R’s assets is the ability to carry 1.5 times its weight in weapons and fuel. Speaking of which – after its latest upgrade a few years ago, it integrated a high-performance MBDA missile, the laser-guided version of the Safran AASM air-to-ground modular weapon, plus the Thales Talios new-generation laser designator pod.

From June 27 to July 5, three of FASF’s primary fighters got to practice air combat synchronization and other interoperability tasks with the Hawaiian F-22 Raptors. Another important element of the training was exchanging best practices related to aerial refueling, which is key during fighter operations – so, the Hawaii ANG personnel got to see what it’s like to operate the French A330 Phenix tanker.

According to Hawaii ANG officials, it’s a rare opportunity to train together with the French forces in this particular location in the Pacific, which is part of a broader effort to reinstate France’s balancing role in the region and partnership with the U.S. Air Force.