Effect of new white paper on Armee de l'air

[neil]

Apparently according to the new French defence white paper, the number of Rafales purchased is due to be cut.(With only 120 ordered so far)

Also, as President Sarkozy said earlier the number of nuclear attack aircraft(read Mirage 2000N and later on Rafale) will be reduced by 2\3.

So I believe we can safely assume that the air force's plans of fielding 300 fighters by 2015 is no longer viable?

Any more info? Thoughts?

 

[swerve]

Apparently according to the new French defence white paper, the number of Rafales purchased is due to be cut.(With only 120 ordered so far)

Also, as President Sarkozy said earlier the number of nuclear attack aircraft(read Mirage 2000N and later on Rafale) will be reduced by 23.

So I believe we can safely assume that the air force's plans of fielding 300 fighters by 2015 is no longer viable?

Any more info? Thoughts?

According to the Livre Blanc (English version), the plan is still to field 300 fighters under air force command - but including the naval air arm.

It also suggests the creation of a European military air transport command, pooling aircraft, & sharing tanker aircraft, helicopters , atc.

 

[neil]

Thanks for the link!

300 fighters is still a formidable force. I assume that the Aeronovale combat fleet will remain Navy owned although under Air Force operational command? I believe this is still a better model than the one the Brits have.(Joint Force Harrier)