GEN-FAM PHOTOGRAPHY

A NIGHT IN THE NEST OF THE 2/5 !

The 2/5 "Île-de-France" Fighter Squadron is one of the most iconic units of the French Air and Space Force. Created in 1941 within the Free French Air Force (FAFL), it has endured through the ages, embodying operational excellence and national pride.

On October 20, 1941, General de Gaulle signed a decree creating the "Île-de-France" fighter group in England. Initially integrated into the Royal Air Force under the name "Free French Squadron 340," it actively participated in the Second World War, notably during the D-Day landings of June 6, 1944. French pilots flew Spitfire Mk II, Mk IX, and then Mk XVI aircraft, providing air cover for Allied troops. The group received numerous decorations for its courageous actions.

Post-war and decolonial conflicts: 1946-1960

After the war, the group was integrated into the 5th Wing at Reghaïa (Algeria) in May 1946, equipped with Bell P-63 Kingcobras. It then participated in the Indochina War (1949-1951), carrying out combat missions before returning to France.On June 11, 2010, during the 92nd anniversary of the Spa 162 "Tigre" of the "Cambrésis", the 2/5 Île-de-France fighter squadron and the 1/12 Cambrésis fighter squadron arrived in Chad to replace the last remaining Mirage F1s on the African continent. The squadron was also deployed as part of the Baltic Air Policing in 2011 to Šiauliai and in 2014 to Malbork.

The Cold War and Air Defense: 1951-1990

In March 1951, the unit was officially designated "Fighting Squadron 2/5 Île-de-France" and moved to Air Base 115 in Orange-Caritat. It specialized in air defense, receiving aircraft such as the de Havilland Vampire, the Mistral, the Mystère IV, and then the Super Mystère B2 in 1954. From 1966, the squadron was equipped with the Mirage III C, then the Mirage F1 in 1975, focusing on very low-altitude interception to prevent attacks from the Mediterranean.

The Mirage 2000 Era: 1989–2022

In 1989, the squadron received Mirage 2000C RDIs, an interceptor equipped with a pulse-Doppler radar, allowing it to conduct air policing missions and participate in external operations. It participated in operations such as Daguet (1990), Desert Storm (1991), Alysse (1992), Kestrel (1992), and Trident (1999), providing air defense and close air support missions. Their Missions and Commitments was Air Defense and Permanent Air Security Posture (PPS)

The squadron provides 24/7 alert, 365 days a year, ready to take off at short notice with its Mirage 2000s to intercept any aerial threat. It also participates in air policing missions, ensuring the security of French airspace.

Pilot Training

Since 1997, the squadron has been responsible for training Mirage 2000 pilots. Young pilots undergo initial flight training, preparing them to become qualified squadron leaders. This internal progression lasts approximately four years, with experienced instructors guiding the trainees throughout their training.

Equipment

The squadron has a dual fleet of Mirage 2000s:

Mirage 2000C: Single-seat version equipped with two 30mm cannons and an STT radar, dedicated to external operations and air policing missions.

Mirage 2000B: Two-seat version dedicated to the initial training of young pilots, enabling efficient and safe flight instruction.

"Red Air" Missions

The squadron provides an "emissive" threat to maintain the fitness of French fighter units. These "Red Air" missions allow French pilots to train for realistic scenarios, thus improving their operational readiness.

I would like to particularly thank the French Air Force, 2/5 squadron & Ba 115 personnel for their accessibility and kindness, without their accreditations some photos would not have been possible !

Thank you for your trust without which this inside tour would not have been possible.

More pictures here : https://flic.kr/s/aHsmW2FGJx

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