Fighter Squadron 2/5 Ile de France 80th Anniversary

On October 14, 2021, Orange-Caritat Air Base 115 hosted an event steeped in history and emotion: the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Fighter Squadron 2/5 "Île-de-France." This symbolic anniversary brought together former and current airmen, military officials, and civilians for a vibrant tribute to the unit and its glorious roots.


Our European friends were represented, notably with the Belgian, Danish & Dutch F-16 and English typhoon also the Italian air force.

A Prestigious Heritage
Created in 1941 within the Free French Air Force (FAFL), the "Île-de-France" squadron takes its name from the French airmen who joined Free France in the early hours of the conflict. At the time, it was under the command of the renowned Major René Mouchotte that the unit made a name for itself, operating alongside the Royal Air Force on the Western Front.

Since then, the 2/5 has endured through the ages, serving bravely in numerous theaters of operation and embodying the values ​​of courage, loyalty, and excellence for which the French Air and Space Force is renowned.


A ceremony full of symbolism


October 14, 2021, was marked by a military ceremony imbued with solemnity and pride. In the presence of Air Major General Frédéric Parisot, Deputy Director of the Operational Staff, and other dignitaries, a tribute was paid to veterans and fallen airmen. A Mirage 2000 flight highlighted the squadron's deep commitment to its air defense mission, while an exhibition retracing the unit's key milestones allowed visitors to delve into the history of this exceptional squadron.


The 2/5 Today: A Unit Still at the Forefront




Based at Orange-Caritat since 1994, the 2/5 "Île-de-France" is now equipped with Mirage 2000Cs, carrying out air policing and air defense missions. It remains a vital link in the national air security system.


With 80 years of commitment to serving France, the 2/5 “Île-de-France” Fighter Squadron remains a living symbol of French aeronautical history, a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of aviators.

Decades of Service and Modernization



Over the decades, the 2/5 "Île-de-France" Squadron has evolved, adapting to strategic and technological challenges. Based at Orange-Caritat since 1994, the squadron has successively operated numerous aircraft, illustrating the rise of French fighter aviation.


Here are the main aircraft that have marked its history:

  • De Havilland Vampire (1951-1954): the squadron's first jet fighter.

  • Mistral, Mystère II, Mystère IV, and Super Mystère B2: symbols of the 1950s and 1960s, they accompanied the unit on its first major air defense missions.

  • Mirage III C (1966-1975): the golden age of French supersonic aircraft.

  • Mirage F1 (1975-1989): a multi-role aircraft used in numerous interception missions.

  • Mirage 2000C and 2000B (1989-2022): modern aircraft providing air policing and training for young fighter pilots.


Each technological transition was accompanied by a doctrinal change, consolidating the squadron's role in homeland defense and external operations.

A few non-exhaustive photos of the foreign guests.

French Air Force was also here with some beautiful machines

I will end with this image: the future of the Orange base was already present on October 14, 2022, with the upcoming arrival of the Rafale and the reborn of the 1/5 Vendé squadron.

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


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.

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© Clément WLD, the pictures and the content of this website are not free of rights.