EARTHSICKNESS

What happens when sailors are deprived of their boats and forced to stay on land ? They are earthsickness. Joke aside, every 5 years the one and only carrier of France, the Charles de Gaulle need to have some maintenance in dry dock, wich oblige his crew to put foot on ground.



The 17F Firing Campaign, a High-Intensity Training Exercise



In June 2023, the French Navy's Flotilla 17F conducted a major firing campaign at the Diane firing range training in Corsica. This type of exercise is a crucial element in the training of the fleet's pilots and crews, enabling them to maintain a high level of readiness and responsiveness. The Flotilla 17F, which specializes in fighter and attack missions, used this campaign to refine its operational skills and test its equipment in a high-pressure environment.

Context and Objectives of the Firing Campaign


The Flotilla 17F, a ship-based fighter unit of the French Navy, operates one of the most capable aircraft in the French fleet: the Dassault Rafale M, a multi-role fighter capable of performing a wide range of missions, from air superiority to ground attack. The main objective of the firing campaign held at Solenzara was to improve firing accuracy and test weapons systems under realistic conditions
An intense and varied exercise
The June 2023 firing campaign was a large-scale exercise, where the pilots of the 17F flotilla were confronted with various tactical scenarios. The objective was to simulate realistic combat conditions, where each firing had to meet specific strategic objectives
High-Speed ​​Precision Firing


One of the campaign's main activities was practicing high-speed firing, particularly the use of cannons and air-to-ground missiles. The pilots were tested with moving targets, simulating high-speed targets such as enemy ships or armored vehicles. In this context, precision was paramount: each shot had to be executed in an extremely short time frame and at high speed, while taking into account weather conditions and target movements.


Air Superiority Mission Simulation


Flotilla 17F not only fired on ground targets but also conducted air superiority exercises. This included simulated dogfights with enemy aircraft, where the objective was to test the Rafale M's maneuverability in intense air combat situations. The ability to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft in flight is a fundamental aspect of a fighter squadron's mission, and this campaign allowed the pilots to improve their ability to react quickly to an air threat.


Exercise Review and Outlook for Flotilla 17F


The Flotilla 17F firing campaign was a success, both in terms of operational performance and pilot responsiveness. The results demonstrated that the flotilla had achieved a high level of readiness, with precise and effective firings in varied combat conditions. This campaign is also part of a broader effort to modernize and enhance the capabilities of the French Navy. The skills acquired during this exercise are not only crucial for future missions, but also contribute to strengthening France's ability to project its military power beyond its borders.

In the long term, these exercises enable Flotilla 17F to remain at the cutting edge of technology and maintain its strategic role in air defense and ground attack. Furthermore, the firing campaign contributes to joint coordination and cooperation with other forces, thus strengthening cohesion within the various components of the French Army.

Conclusion


This campaign was an important milestone in the French Navy's training program. In a tense global geopolitical context, where defense capabilities must be constantly refined, these large-scale exercises ensure that pilots and crews are ready to face any combat scenario. Through realistic simulations, precision firing, and a variety of tactical scenarios, Flotilla 17F demonstrated its ability to conduct complex operations in difficult conditions. This type of exercise is essential for maintaining a high level of readiness and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the French Navy's missions.

I would like to particularly thank the French Marine & Ba 126 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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