ALAT Rehearsal

A Well-Established Ritual


This Wednesday, July 9, the aircraft – Tigers, Colibris, Fennecs, Gazelles, Caimans, Cougars, and Puma – took off in formation from Chartres Airfield for a full-scale rehearsal. As part of the preparations for the July 14 parade in Paris, a detachment of the Army Light Aviation (ALAT) gathered in Chartres. Every year for the past four years, Chartres has hosted combat helicopters ahead of the national parade.

After takeoff from Chartres airfield and approximately 15 minutes of flight time, the helicopters arrived in a holding area between Chartres and Paris, in preparation for a synchronized departure to the Champs-Élysées. Takeoff commands are given "to the second" to improve precision.

AS555AN Fennec helicopters and EC 120 Calliopé flyong to the runway

SA 342 Gazelle of the 3 RHC on the runway, departing for Paris

SA-330B Puma, for his last take of for the rehearsal, 2025 will be the last year for the Puma flypast over Paris

AS532UL Cougar taking of, thiese helicopters in the French Army are primarily used for tactical transport of troops, equipment, and medical evacuation in combat zones with 5 RHC


































NH90 Caïman TTH (tactical transport), a key vector for troop transport and medical evacuation with the 3 RHC




























Tigre HAD (Support and Destruction variant) from the Army, a formidable asset for fire support and anti-tank missions with the 5 RHC

Every detail of the maneuver is calibrated: aircraft positioning, takeoff times, directional trajectory to Paris, etc. The objective is to ensure perfect fluidity on D-Day. The exercise aims to strengthen the training of the crews who will take part in the July 14th parade.


ALAT : French Army Light Aviation


An aerial force in direct support of ground troops


Founded in 1954, the Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Terre (ALAT), or Army Light Aviation, is an essential component of the French military. Unlike the Air and Space Force, which operates on a strategic or joint level, ALAT is directly integrated with ground forces. It carries out tactical missions requiring speed, mobility, and precision. Present on every major theater of operations, ALAT is a cornerstone of the French Army’s rapid action capabilities.

A combat aviation force close to the battlefield


ALAT’s mission is to provide direct support to ground troops. It uses attack, reconnaissance, and transport helicopters to assist ground operations. Its role is tactical and operational, closely tied to frontline combat units.

Its main missions include:

  • Close air support: offering firepower from the air (notably with the Tigre attack helicopter).

  • Reconnaissance and observation: monitoring the battlefield and enemy movements.

  • Tactical transport: delivering troops, equipment, and supplies in hard-to-reach areas.

  • Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC): extracting wounded personnel from combat zones.

  • Airborne command: managing operations from mobile command posts in flight.

  • Logistical support: resupplying isolated or fast-moving units.

A modern and versatile fleet


ALAT operates a fleet of specialized helicopters, suited for various environments:


  • Tigre HAD (Attack and Destruction Helicopter): a modern combat helicopter armed with cannons, missiles, and rockets.

  • NH90 Caïman TTH: a tactical transport helicopter with medical and logistical capabilities.

  • Puma and Cougar: medium-lift helicopters for troop and cargo transport.

  • Gazelle: light helicopter for reconnaissance and support.

  • Fennec and Colibri: mainly used for training and liaison.


This diversity allows ALAT to provide comprehensive and rapid support to ground operations, whether in open terrain like the Sahel or in urban or mountainous zones.

A key player in overseas operations


ALAT is heavily engaged in overseas operations (OPEX), offering unmatched projection and support capabilities:

  • Operation Barkhane (Sahel): direct air support against terrorist groups in the region.

  • Deployments in Lebanon, Mali, Central African Republic, Iraq, Romania, and more, alongside peacekeeping and international forces.

  • ALAT is also mobilized in mainland France for natural disasters and homeland security operations.

A structured and deployed force


ALAT is under the authority of the Army Light Aviation Command (COMALAT). Its main operational units include:

  • 5th Combat Helicopter Regiment (5e RHC) – based in Pau.

  • 3rd RHC – based in Étain-Rouvres.

  • 1st RHC – based in Phalsbourg.

  • 4th RHFS – Special Forces Regiment, also in Pau.

It includes around 4,000 personnel, including pilots, mechanics, controllers, and intelligence specialists.

Demanding training and expertise


ALAT pilots undergo long and demanding training programs. Initial flight training takes place in Dax, followed by advanced specialization in Luc-en-Provence, focusing on either attack or transport helicopters.

They train in:

  • Tactical flying by day and night.

  • Navigation in degraded or combat environments.

  • Interoperability with ground combat units.


Mechanics and technicians also follow advanced technical training, crucial for ensuring aircraft safety and readiness.

Conclusion


The French Army Light Aviation (ALAT) is an elite force, combining mobility, precision, and responsiveness. Operating close to the front lines, it plays a central role in the success of modern military operations. With highly trained personnel, high-performance equipment, and a direct link to ground units, ALAT embodies the modern, agile, and combat-ready nature of today’s French Army.




I would like to particularly thank the army personnel for their accessibility and kindness, without their accreditations some photos would not have been possible !

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