On the evening of 14 September 2023, during the rugby match between France and Uruguay, an E-2C Hawkeye of Flotilla 4F monitored the airspace around the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille as part of the special aviation security system (DPSA) covering the events of the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
Placed under the tactical command of the High Air Defense Authority (HADA) and under the control of the CNOA (the National Center of Air Operations), the E-2C was used as an airborne detection and control means in northern France. The mission was to guarantee the impermeability of the temporary forbidden zone created for the occasion, report any unknown contact nearby and be ready to control the helicopter assets of the permanent air security posture (PPS-A).
The French Navy contributes punctually with the Rafale Marine of Landivisiau to the PPS-A, but the participation of an E-2C is an unprecedented fact.