A Panther lifts-off from the deck of air defence destroyer Forbin. All 16 of the Panthers currently in service with the Aeronavale will eventually be upgraded to the much-improved Standard 2.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Aerospatiale Dauphin 2 / SA.365 / HH-65 - ФранцияFrance - 1975

The Lynx helicopter will soldier on until 2022. By this time, the last of the Georges Leygues-class frigates will be withdrawn from use. This class of vessel cannot accommodate the new NH90, which is why the Lynx will be retained.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Westland Lynx - ВеликобританияUnited Kingdom - 1971

At the time of writing, seven of the 27 NH90 Caiman helicopters on order had been delivered to the French Navy. The type has already hit the headlines performing daring rescue missions off Brittany.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: NH Industries NH-90 - InternationalInternational - 1995

Typical activity on the Charles de Gaulle's busy flight deck: the aircraft at the aft end of the deck is preparing to taxi towards the waist and forward catapults.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Rafale M - ФранцияFrance - 1991Dassault Super Etendard - ФранцияFrance - 1974

Flottille 17F SEM No 11 fitted with two 625-litre drop tanks and one Barracuda jammer taxies towards the front catapult.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Super Etendard - ФранцияFrance - 1974

Admiral Herve de Bonnaventure (left) and Captain Olivier Lebas, Charles de Gaulle's commanding officer.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Super Etendard - ФранцияFrance - 1974

The Charles de Gaulle is currently the largest and most powerful warship in service in Europe. Despite much criticism following teething problems, the vessel has since proved extremely reliable and successful.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Super Etendard - ФранцияFrance - 1974Grumman E-2 Hawkeye - СШАUSA - 1960

The faithful Alouette III will prove extremely difficult to replace. The type is still used in support and training roles.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Sud-Aviation Alouette III / SA.316 / SA.319 - ФранцияFrance - 1959

The three Flottille 4F Hawkeyes are progressively being upgraded. The aircraft are key assets for complex offensive and defensive operations.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Grumman E-2 Hawkeye - СШАUSA - 1960

The Falcon 50M is reactive, easy to maintain, cheap to operate and offers good endurance and cruise speed. In addition, it is equipped with a modern sensor suite.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Falcon 50 - ФранцияFrance - 1976

This Rafale has just trapped and is about to leave the Charles de Gaulle's angled deck and move towards its parking spot.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Rafale M - ФранцияFrance - 1991

Rafale M27 in a long-range configuration with three 1,250-litre external fuel tanks. The Rafale now forms the backbone of the French Carrier Air Group.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Rafale M - ФранцияFrance - 1991

With its landing gear extended, Rafale M14 was photographed during an acceptance flight prior to delivery. The aircraft spent a few years at Mont-de-Marsan before joining Landivisiau.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Dassault Rafale M - ФранцияFrance - 1991