During the month of March, on the occasion of an event organized by the AJD (Association of Defense Journalists), Mer et Marine had the opportunity to meet General Jérôme Bellanger, the Chief of Staff of the Air and Space Army. This was an opportunity for the CEMAAE to discuss the short and medium-term challenges of anti-aircraft warfare, a question that goes beyond the responsibility sphere of the Air Force and will be of interest to all French military personnel, especially sailors.
In a previous article, we detailed the statements made by General of the Air Force Jérôme Bellanger regarding the role of French aerospace forces in managing future conflicts. During a meeting organized by the AJD on March 9th, the CEMAAE reviewed the recent experiences from conflicts ranging from Ukraine to Iran, and even the American intervention in Venezuela, painting a picture of the future offensive capabilities that the French aerospace forces (including the Air Force and Navy) could have in the coming years with aircraft like Rafale F5, supersonic cruise missiles STRATUS-RS, new ballistic and aeroballistic missiles.
Moving towards a multi-layered defensive strategy, General Bellanger emphasized the need for coordination between offensive and defensive strategies. This entails having offensive capabilities to target and destroy enemy combat systems and ammunition stocks, as well as defensive capabilities to intercept drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
Regarding anti-air defense systems, the French Air and Space Army, as well as the Navy and the Army, are currently seeking to strengthen the multi-layered approach from anti-drone to long-range and very high-altitude anti-aircraft combat. French forces have recognized expertise in anti-air and anti-missile warfare, notably with the Aster 15 and Aster 30 missiles deployed via the SAMP/T Mamba land system and naval vessels.
In the context of drone defense, efforts are being made to enhance capabilities at low altitudes and short ranges. Solutions being explored include surface-to-air missiles like Aster and MICA, light artillery systems, and the development of passive anti-drone solutions like nets and protective hangars for aircraft.
Furthermore, the article highlights the importance of protecting forces during deployments, focusing on the French Air Force’s deployment capabilities, such as Agile Combat Employment exercises that allow for rapid deployment of combat aircraft with minimal logistical footprint.
As the military prepares for potential conflicts with Russia, there is a need to balance existing defense capabilities with the acquisition of new ones. The significance of maintaining operational readiness and ammunition supply is emphasized by General Bellanger. Additionally, manufacturers like MBDA are adapting production to meet the growing demand for missile defense systems, anticipating geopolitical tensions impacting missile stocks.
In conclusion, readiness for potential conflicts requires a comprehensive approach encompassing existing and future defense capacities, the collective understanding of defense issues by the French population, and sustained financing for defense programs.
[Context: The article discusses recent developments in French military strategy, focusing on defense capabilities against aerial threats like drones and missiles. It highlights efforts to enhance offensive and defensive strategies and the challenges faced by the defense industry in meeting growing demands.]
[Fact Check: The article emphasizes the importance of strategic defense planning and the need for a balanced approach to address present and future challenges in military preparedness.]
