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French Air Force (2023)


Current Active Inventory: 658 Aircraft


France National Flag Graphic
The following represents an overview of the modern aerial fighting capabilities of the French Air Force (2023). The service currently counts 658 total units in its active aircraft inventory. The WDMMA review takes into account specific categories of aircraft covering attack, logistics, special-mission, and general support types. Inventory numbers and related aircraft types / variants are provided as-is and derived from publically-available information / sources. "Outlook" results are related to any future airframes currently under procurement though said airframes may not be delivered for service in the current year for various reasons. "Readiness Rates" are based on the published USAF standard. Due to discrepancies regarding UAV reporting between countries and sources, unmanned vehicles are currently not tracked by WDMMA.

Updated: 08/18/2022 | © www.WDMMA.org


Total Aircraft: 658

329
Aircraft at 50.0% Readiness Rate
461
Aircraft at 70.0% Readiness Rate
494
Aircraft at 75.0% Readiness Rate
526
Aircraft at 80.0% Readiness Rate
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TvR
56.3
TrueValue Rating assesses air service current strengths/weaknesses matched against top performer USAF (242.9).
Global Rank
10 /129
Global Rank as compared to national powers of WDMMA. 129 total air services from 101 nations are tracked. View Current Ranks.
Force Concentration

Attack: 232 units
Support: 206 units
Training: 220 units
Future: 96 units

Material Suppliers (Past and Present)

Primary (1)

National flag of the United States National flag of France
Secondary (3)

National flag of Canada National flag of Switzerland National flag of Germany National flag of Brazil National flag of Spain


Fighters (232)


Airframes detailed as fighter, interceptor, or general attack types including multi-role though excluding dedicated bombers and CAS.

OUTLOOK
POSITIVE
101
Rafale B/C
Multirole
71
M2000D
Strike
32
M2000C
Multirole
28
M2000-5F
Multirole

Total Units: 232 (35%)




Helicopters (84)


Airframes detailed as manned rotary-wing platforms used in the transport, special-mission, or direct-attack roles.

OUTLOOK
STABLE
40
AS555
Light Multirole
26
SA330
Transport
13
H225M
Medium-Lift
5
H215M
Medium-Lift

Total Units: 84 (13%)




Transports (99)


Airframes used in the dedicated hauler role, serving either military or high-government personnel or in supply / cargo delivery.

OUTLOOK
POSITIVE
27
CN-235
Tactical
21
C-160
Tactical
15
TBM 700
Utility
14
C-130H
Tactical
12
A400M
Strategic/Tactical
5
DHC-6
Utility
3
A310
VIP/Airliner
2
C-130J
Tactical

Total Units: 99 (15%)




Trainers (220)


Airframes reserved for dedicated Basic, Advanced, Flight, and Helicopter airman training.

OUTLOOK
POSITIVE
102
Alpha Jet
Advanced Jet Trainer
37
TB30
Flight Trainer
22
EMB-121
Flight Trainer
18
G120A
Basic Trainer
15
SR20
Flight Trainer
10
PC-21
Advanced Trainer
8
SR22
Flight Trainer
6
M2000B
Fighter Trainer
2
H225
Helicopter Trainer

Total Units: 220 (33%)




Aerial Tankers / Refuelers (17)


Airframes modified for the purpose of aerial fuel delivery to support allied aircraft / operations.

OUTLOOK
POSITIVE
14
KC-135FR
Aerial Refueling
2
A400M
Aerial Refueling
1
A330 (MRTT)
Aerial Refueling

Total Units: 17 (3%)




Special-Mission (6)


Airframes modified for Special-Mission roles - typically these are dedicated, role-specific types.

OUTLOOK
POSITIVE
4
E-3F
Airborne Early Warning
2
C-160
Electronic Intelligence

Total Units: 6 (1%)




On Order (96)


Aircraft set to be delivered in the current procurement year or in subsequent year(s).

36
A400M
Strategic/Tactical
27
Rafale B/C
Multirole
16
PC-21
Basic/Advanced Trainer
10
A330 (MRTT)
Aerial Refueling
3
Falcon 900
Electronic Warfare
2
KC-130J
Aerial Refueling
2
MC-12W
Reconnaissance

Total Units: 96




Related Services



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