The advent of the Mirage 2000 was perceived as a true leap forward for the Armee de I'Air. Today, the type remains a truly useful asset.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Mirage 2000 - ФранцияFrance - 1978Dassault Mirage 2000B/N/D - ФранцияFrance - 1980

General Palomeros is adamant that, with the Rafale, the Armee de I'Air has made the right choice, as demonstrated in action during the operations over Libya.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Rafale - ФранцияFrance - 1986

Fatigue problems have started appearing on the Alpha Jet and solutions will have to be found to either replace the type or extend its life. As an interim measure, 20 Alpha Jets have been modernised with a glass cockpit, a HUD and a GPS/INS navigation system.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet - InternationalInternational - 1973

The numbers of Transalls in the inventory is going down fast, leaving the Armee de I'Air in a difficult situation. Thankfully, the A400M is on the horizon.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Transall C.160 Transall - InternationalInternational - 1963

The Armee de I'Air will become the first operator of the new A400M airlifter and expects to have ten aircraft in service at BA123 Orleans-Bricy by 2014.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A400M - InternationalInternational - 2009

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Airbus A400M - InternationalInternational - 2009

A Harfang UAV photographed during the type's operational evaluation. Mont-de-Marsan air base is visible in the background.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: IAI Heron / Harfang - ИзраильIsrael - 1994

The EC725 Caracal has proved to be a very popular and reliable helicopter. Here, a Caracal practises with Armee de I'Air commandos during a CSAR training exercise.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Aerospatiale Super Puma / SA.332 / AS.532 Cougar - ФранцияFrance - 1978

The combat-proven Mirage 2000D will remain in service for the foreseeable future. This aircraft is fitted with a Scalp cruise missile under the centreline pylon.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Mirage 2000B/N/D - ФранцияFrance - 1980

The Scalp cruise missile was used operationally for the first time in Libya by Rafales and Mirage 2000Ds. With its reconnaissance satellites, France can keep on eye on all enemy activity before firing Scalps at stand-off distances.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Mirage 2000B/N/D - ФранцияFrance - 1980