Avord Air Base

Avord Air Base. It is a major installation of the French Air and Space Force, officially designated as Base aérienne 702. Located in the Cher department within the Centre-Val de Loire region, it serves as the primary operational base for France's nuclear deterrent airborne component. The base hosts key units of the Strategic Air Forces Command and features extensive infrastructure to support its critical national defense missions.

History

The origins of the facility date to 1912 when it was established as a training school for military pilots, playing a significant role in the development of French military aviation prior to World War I. During the interwar period, it became a major center for pilot instruction and bomber development. Occupied by Luftwaffe forces following the Battle of France in World War II, it was used as a base for Heinkel He 111 bombers during the Occupation of France. After liberation by Allied forces, it was rebuilt and modernized during the Cold War, becoming strategically vital for hosting United States Air Force rotational units under NATO agreements. Its role evolved with the establishment of the French nuclear strike force, the Force de dissuasion, with the base becoming the main operating location for the Dassault Mirage IV bomber fleet.

Facilities

The air base spans over 1,200 hectares and operates two primary parallel runways, the longest measuring 3,490 meters, capable of accommodating the largest military aircraft. It features hardened aircraft shelters, extensive maintenance hangars for Dassault Rafale and E-3F Sentry aircraft, and specialized storage areas for munitions. Key support infrastructure includes a major command and control center for the Strategic Air Forces Command, advanced Radar and Air traffic control systems, and logistical facilities operated in conjunction with the Direction générale de l'armement. The site also houses the Centre d'expériences aériennes militaires (CEAM), a major flight test center.

Based units

The principal resident unit is the Strategic Air Forces Command (CFAS), which directs France's airborne nuclear deterrent operations. Flying units include the Escadron de Chasse 1/91 Gascogne and Escadron de Chasse 2/91 Bretagne, both operating the Dassault Rafale B armed with the ASMP-A nuclear missile. The Escadron de détection et de contrôle aéroporté 36 Berry operates a fleet of four Boeing E-3F Sentry AWACS aircraft. Additional significant tenants are the Centre d'expériences aériennes militaires (CEAM) for operational testing and the Groupe aérien mixte 00.702, which provides airlift and support services with Airbus A400M Atlas and Dassault Falcon aircraft.

Accidents and incidents

A notable accident occurred in September 1979 when a Dassault Mirage IVA nuclear-capable bomber crashed shortly after takeoff during a training mission, resulting in the deaths of both crew members. In July 1992, a Dassault Mirage 2000N from the base was involved in a fatal crash in the Alps during a low-level training flight. A significant incident in May 2013 involved a E-3F Sentry AWACS aircraft which suffered a major engine failure and fire after bird strikes during takeoff; the crew successfully aborted the takeoff and evacuated. More recently, in 2020, a Dassault Rafale from Escadron de Chasse 1/91 made an emergency landing following a technical malfunction.

In popular culture

The base has been featured in several French documentary series focusing on the French Armed Forces, such as Les hommes du Président and Rafale, le chasseur de la dissuasion. It served as a filming location for scenes in the 2011 action film Forces spéciales starring Diane Kruger and Djimon Hounsou. The strategic role of its Dassault Rafale squadrons is central to the plot of the French political thriller novel Pouvoir by François de Closets. The annual public open day, the Meeting aérien, attracts thousands of visitors and is frequently covered by media outlets like France 3 and BFM TV.

Category:French Air and Space Force bases Category:Military installations in Centre-Val de Loire Category:Aviation in France