The French Independence Day; Evreux; July 14, 2019

The Defile at the Champ-Elysees, part 1; Text and Photograph's by Alex van Noye

Every year the French Air Force flies an important part of the Defile over the Champ-Elysees in the capitol of Paris during the Bastille Day on July 14. On this day, the French independence and freedom are celebrated. The French forces traditionally give a major military parade in Paris that shows the power of France.

Every year in France on July 14 the storming of the Bastille is celebrated. This day symbolizes the start of the French revolution that led to the current French Republic. Every July 14th, the French formation Patrouille de France (PDF) flies over Paris during the military parade. This flight of the patrol is a symbol for all air force pilots who are constantly engaged in their missions to protect French airspace and to defend the vital interests of the nation or external operations. The opening of the annual parade takes place with no fewer than twelve Alpha-Jets. In order to bring forward the national liberation order, one figure will be flown. The Alpha-Jets of the PDF fly in the shape of the cross of Lorraine which symbolizes the free French troops. Wearing the Patrouille de France emblem represents the excellence of French fighter pilots. For over 60 years, the pilots of the PDF have made generations of spectators to dream. Whether behind their television screens, during an air show or a popular gathering, hundreds of thousands of spectators vibrate to the rhythm of their airshows and aerobatics every year. Since its foundation, the Patrouille de France has been operating according to an unchangeable triptych, namely: an airplane, a pilot and a mechanic. Everything is done within this small symbolic unit so that the pilots can concentrate as much as possible on their flying skills. The PDF has become the symbol of the French Air Force and it is therefore logical that they open and close the parade after the last participants have reviewed.

The second block that passes by during the parade illustrates the Free French Forces (Forces Aériennes Francaises Libres, FAFL). An C-135FR tanker from GRV2/91 "Bretagne" is flying in front. This Boeing is essential and can refuel other aircraft in the air so that the missions can be extended considerably. This tanker is accompanied by four Rafale B/C fighter aircraft from EC2/30 "Normandy-Niemen" and Mirage 2000B/C fighter aircraft from EC2/5 "Île-de-France". The Rafales are from BA118 Mont-de-

Marsan and are the most versatile aircraft of the French Air Force. The Mirages are based on BA115 Orange and perform air defense missions with a permanent standby task at QRA. These operational units normally carry out reconnaissance, air defense and training activities and can also fly air refuelling missions. EC2/5 was deployed in Niger during Operation Barkhane in the summer of 2015. This unit is generally also responsible for the transition of new fighter pilots to the Mirage 2000. The traditions and history of the FAFL began during the Second World War when a handful of pilots decided to join General de Gaulle in England on June 1940. This personnel consisted of both fighter pilots and engineers who were determined to continue fighting when France was overrun by Nazi Germany. The setup was the first version of the Free French Air Force (FAFL). These units took on serious forms when from June 1941 French units were deployed in almost all major battles. The French FAFL units were: Alsace, Lorraine, Brittany, Artois, Picardie, Ile de France and Normandy-Niemen.

The third block during the parade represents the Strategic Air Force (Forces Aériennes Stratégiques, FAS). The units offer a structuring mission for the air force and that is nuclear deterrence. The FAS is permanent and reactive and is always ready for deployment. This complex mission is a melting pot of the excellence of the pilots who have guaranteed the safety of France non-stop for 50 years. The FAS mission requires special resources, including around 60 aircraft of the C-135FR and Rafale types, and in the recent past also the Mirage 2000N. The versatility of men and aircraft is an important element within the strategic air force. Without ever interrupting their primary mission, the FAS also carries out conventional missions. The FAS thus contributes to the two strategic missions of the Air Force, namely the sovereignty of national airspace and deterrence. Given the versatility of the Rafale, the FAS also contributes to the operational sustainability system and air defense. The Rafales of the FAS are assigned to the Escadron de Chasse 4 "Gascogne" on Saint-Dizier. The Rafales of Gascogne have been frequently used during Operation Barkhane in Chad in the past. The C-135FR provides air refueling for all French and foreign combat aircraft that have been in use since the mid-70s. The aircraft can also be used for strategic transports and medical evacuations. The C-135FR can be equipped for medical evacuations over a few thousand kilometers.

The fourth block that would fly was the Projection de Puissance which symbolizes the response forces. Aircraft flying in this block have participated in the operations of Sangaris, Barkhane and Chammal to represent the interests of France. Immediate response and deployable capacity is a basic requirement of the Air Force. From the earliest hours of a conflict, the defensive power is able to deploy reconnaissance flights and response options by deploying combat aircraft that support the other armed forces. In September 2014, four wings were assigned to this power at the airports of Avord, Istres and Nancy and an anti-aircraft location. This reform will help define a clear interface between the airbase and anti-aircraft support. With the E-3F Sentry, the night unit will be in charge as a coordinating body in this power. This fifth block of air illustrates the mission of air defense and Air Policing in both France and abroad. The aircraft of these units fly permanent patrols every day to ensure air protection. For sensitive and important events, such as July 14, international top meetings, sporting events, etc., the air force activates a specific air security system at the request of the prime minister. A few hundred pilots can then be mobilized on site to intervene within a few minutes in the event of a potential threat. This power consists of Rafale and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the air defense role. The permanent attitude of air safety is, with deterrence, is one of the two permanent missions insured by the air force.