One of the two updated E-3F MLU aircraft at Mont de Marsan. The CEAM is heavily involved in the mid-life upgrade of the four aircraft in Armee de I'Air service.

Although this Mirage 2000-5 has EC 1/2 markings it is assigned to ECE 5/330, reflecting how the CEAM can be provided with aircraft from other units if needed.

Some of the equipment tested by the CEAM, such as different types of laser-guided bombs, the SCALP missile and the ASTAC pod.

Two CEAM Rafales flying close to the coastline off southwest France.

ECE 5/330 flew the first production Rafale equipped with the Thales RBE2 AESA radar to test the new system in an operational environment.

One of the main current programmes for the CEAM is the A400M. Gen Reboul, the CEAM Commander, said: ‘‘Although not at the pace that we would like, we are acquiring new capacities step by step.”

On paper the ECE 05/330 fleet now includes three Mirage 2000Ds, one of which is seen here departing on a late afternoon mission, but in reality the numbers change depending on testing and operational requirements.

A CEAM Mirage 2000D breaks away from its Rafale wingman. Work on the Rafale continues at CEAM; the centre is currently working on the F3R standard.