France practiced defending air bases. Drone attack scenarios

The exercises lasted from September 28 to October 2. They were commanded by General Cyrille Duvivier, responsible for the defense and security of southwestern France and commander of air and space force bases.

Changing your approach to routine maneuvers

Le Monde reports that this year's exercises took place in a special atmosphere. The day before they began, British police thwarted a potential attack on RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.

On September 27, officers detained five men near the facility. Initially, the case concerned a possible violation of explosives regulations. Later they were arrested again on charges of preparing an act of terrorism.

"Previously, these exercises were a bit of a mandatory step, reminiscent of a fire evacuation. Nowadays, no one needs to be convinced of their usefulness," General Duvivier told Le Monde. He pointed to growing tensions in international politics.

Drones, infiltration and demonstrations

The maneuver scenarios were prepared by commandos specializing in attacking military bases. The soldiers practiced reactions, including: against drone flights and attacks, attempts to enter facilities and cyberattacks.

The possibility of organizing anti-war demonstrations that could be infiltrated by foreign countries was also taken into account.

During the exercises, among others, simultaneous evacuation of two bases - in Évreux and Mont-de-Marsan. Three Rafale fighters were diverted to other airports.

Le Monde pointed out that French military airports have reinforced hangars to protect equipment in the event of bombing. However, there are too few of these facilities to accommodate all the planes.

The army also launched new crisis management software. It is intended to enable commanders to monitor the situation in all French bases in real time. As the daily notes, previously coordination of activities took place primarily by telephone and e-mail.

"The threats that the bases have to face are increasingly reminiscent of what happened during the Cold War," said Gen. Laurent Charrier, Gen. Duvivier's deputy. Therefore, soldiers also practice using underground shelters.

The command center is still in the 18th-century palace

One example highlighted by the newspaper is base 204 near Mérignac. In its surroundings there are numerous military centers and plants of the French arms industry. The base also houses the main service facility of the French Air Force.