On January 25, 2023, the air defense frigate (FDA) Chevalier Paul conducted a large-scale air defense exercise (ADEX) off the Mediterranean coast, with the amphibious helicopter carrier Tonnerre and the frigate La Fayette and with the Rafale Marine and Air and Space Force competitions.
Benefiting from the exceptional support of fourteen aircraft from two armies: nine Air and Space Force aircraft (three Mirage 2000-5 from the “Cigognes” fighter group, four Rafale from the “La Fayette” fighter squadrons and “Lorraine”, an E-3F “Awacs” from the 36th Airborne Command and Control Wing and an A330 MRTT Phénix from the 31st Supply and Strategic Transport Wing) and five French Navy aircraft (four Rafale Marine from Flotilla 17F and an NH-90 Cayman from Flotilla 31F), this exercise aimed to protect a valuable unit, played by the Tonnerre against a multiple air threat in times of high crisis.
For this, Chevalier Paul , as head of air defense and having personnel capable of controlling fighter planes, had to use the full spectrum of his defensive (means of detection, electronic warfare) and offensive (simulation of fire of anti-aircraft missiles ASTER, guidance of “friendly” aircraft), like those of aircraft, to repel the threat and defend the Tonnerre .
In the end, during more than an hour of zone defense, the Chevalier Paul reinforced with the air combat know-how of the three Mirage 2000-5 of the Air and Space Force and the La Fayette composing his force, demonstrated its air defense capabilities under intense threat from enemy fighters as part of its combat readiness.
This joint exercise demonstrates the will of the armed forces to increase the realism and intensity of their training and their ability to generate interactions rich in lessons for all participants, while developing interoperability between the aircraft of the French army. Air and Space and the air and naval resources of the French Navy.