OC-135 in Evreux

On April 16, 2018, an American Boeing OC-135 made an landing at Evreux Air Base 105 (LFOE), France, during a mission under the Open Skies Treaty.


Overview of the Open Skies Mission


The Open Skies Treaty, established in 1992, allows participating countries to conduct unarmed aerial surveillance flights over each other's territories to promote transparency and build trust. Russia was a signatory and actively participated in these missions.


  • Purpose: To build trust and prevent conflict by allowing unarmed aerial observation flights over the territories of the treaty members.


  • Established: Signed in 1992 and entered into force in 2002.

  • Participants: Originally included 34 member states, mainly NATO members and former Warsaw Pact countries.

  • Goals:

    • Enhance mutual understanding and confidence.

    • Provide transparency about military forces and activities.

    • Facilitate the verification of arms control agreements.

Mission Background

The Open Skies Treaty, signed in 1992, allows participating states to conduct unarmed observation flights over the territories of other signatories. This mechanism aims to strengthen military transparency and promote trust between nations. Evreux air base is a strategic site for these missions, serving as a departure and arrival point for observation flights.The OC-135 involved in this mission was part of the US Air Force fleet dedicated to these missions





The Open Skies Treaty at the Evreux air base

Orléans-Bricy Air Base 123 plays a central role in the implementation of the Open Skies Treaty, but due to ground work on this one, this year the missions has been relocated to Evreux air base. It is the only site in France authorized to accommodate foreign aircraft under this treaty. The French Verification Unit (UFV) and the base's Open Skies Section (SCO) actively participate in the coordination and supervision of observation missions, ensuring compliance with international rules and commitments.



A promoting international cooperation


The Open Skies Treaty is a key example of a mission designed to promote international cooperation through aerial surveillance, fostering transparency and mutual understanding among nations


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