Top Aces France to Provide Skyhawk and Alpha Jet Training Aircraft

Top Aces France will supply A-4N Skyhawk and Alpha Jet aircraft for French military exercises under a contract awarded to a consortium led by SDTS, alongside Babcock France. The aircraft will simulate opposing forces for training.

Key details

• The contract has an initial six-year term, with an option for a two-year extension.
• The reported maximum value is €450 million across the three companies.
• The Skyhawks and Alpha Jets are expected to operate mainly from Clermont-Ferrand Auvergne Airport and deploy to training areas around France.
• Babcock France is also set to operate and maintain upgraded L-39 Albatros jets from Dijon-Bourgogne Airport.
• The combined fleet is expected to fly as many as 400 sorties and more than 1,000 hours per year.
• The contractor aircraft are intended to train alongside French Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighters.

The combined fleet is expected to fly as many as 400 sorties and more than 1,000 hours each year.

Why it matters

The training is intended to support France’s Air and Space Force, Navy and Army. Reported activities include visual-range air-combat maneuvering and training with joint terminal attack controllers, who coordinate aircraft with ground forces.