Legend Retirment




Farewell to the C‑135FR/KC‑135: France Enters the A330 MRTT Era


After more than six decades of service, the French Air and Space Force has retired its fleet of C‑135FR and KC‑135RG aerial refueling aircraft, closing a major chapter in French military aviation. These aircraft, long considered the backbone of strategic air refueling and nuclear deterrence, are now replaced by the Airbus A330 MRTT “Phénix”, ushering in a new era of multi-role capability and European interoperability.

A C-135FR taking of at Orly airport with President Macron onboard

A Legacy from the Cold War: The C‑135 in French Service


First introduced in 1964, the C‑135FR was France’s answer to its nuclear deterrence doctrine. The aircraft supported Mirage IV strategic bombers and later, the Mirage 2000N and Rafale B, with in-flight refueling capabilities via rigid boom systems.

In the late 1990s, three ex-USAF KC‑135RGs were acquired to modernize the fleet. Powered by CFM56 engines, these aircraft offered improved reliability and avionics. Together, the C‑135FR and KC‑135RG formed the core of France’s Strategic Air Forces Command (FAS).

For over 60 years, these tankers supported:

  • Nuclear deterrence patrols

  • Overseas operations (Afghanistan, Libya, Mali)

  • Allied missions under NATO

  • Long-range humanitarian and medical evacuations.

  • Search and Rescue

A C-135FR in training at Vatry airport

A Gradual Retirement (2020–2025)


  • 2020–2023: Progressive phase-out of the C‑135FR.

  • October 2023: Farewell to the final C‑135FR (serial 475) at Istres AB.

  • December 2024: Final operational missions (Opération Chammal).

  • June 30, 2025: Final flight of the KC‑135RG, ending France’s C‑135 legacy.

Several retired airframes have been sold to private U.S. contractor Metrea Aerospace, and some transferred to India for training purposes.

A C-135FR in training at Solenzara airbase

End of an Era, Start of a New Chapter


The June 30, 2025 retirement ceremony at Istres Air Base marked the official departure of the last KC‑135 from French service. The 4/31 "Sologne" squadron was ceremonially stood down, as the Air and Space Force fully transitions to its Phénix-era fleet.

With 12 MRTTs in service (and 15 planned by 2028), France now boasts a 21st-century aerial refueling capability, fully interoperable, strategic, and sovereign.

A last flypast over Paris for the annual parade before reach Nimes airport two days later


The Phénix Takes Over: Airbus A330 MRTT


Ordered in 2014, the MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport) developed by Airbus is a strategic tanker and transport aircraft derived from the A330 airliner. It entered service with the French Air and Space Force in 2018.


The MRTT combines several capabilities:

  • Aerial refueling: equipped with a rigid boom and two underwing pods for hose-and-drogue refueling

  • Strategic transport: carries up to 266 passengers or 45 tons of cargo

  • Medical evacuation: can be configured with the MORPHÉE module for intensive care and critical patient transport.

A330 MRTT in training at Bastia airport

































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


Conclusion


From the Cold War skies of the 1960s to modern-day operations in the Indo-Pacific, the C‑135FR and KC‑135 served France with distinction. Their legacy continues in the A330 MRTT, an aircraft designed not just to refuel, but to redefine the reach and flexibility of French air power in the 21st century.

Articles

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