France holds exercise to defend 30 air bases from drones and cyberattacks — RMF24

The French Air and Space Force held the Basex exercise, during which it practised protecting air bases from hybrid threats, drone attacks, intrusion attempts and cyberattacks. All 30 air bases of the French Air and Space Force took part in the twice-yearly manoeuvres, RMF24 reports.

Drone and intrusion scenarios

The exercise lasted from September 28 to October 2 under the command of General Cyril Duvivier, who is responsible for defence and security in southwestern France and commands Air and Space Force bases. The scenarios were prepared by commandos specialising in attacks on military bases.

The military practised responding to drone overflights and attacks, attempts to enter facility grounds, and cyberattacks. They also considered a scenario involving anti-war demonstrations that could be infiltrated by foreign states.

According to the French newspaper Le Monde, on the eve of the manoeuvres, British police thwarted a potential attack on RAF Fairford base in Gloucestershire. On September 27, five men were detained near the facility. They were later rearrested on suspicion of preparing a terrorist act.

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Base evacuations and crisis-management software

During Basex, two bases were evacuated simultaneously — in Évreux and Mont-de-Marsan. Three Rafale fighter jets were redeployed to other airfields. According to Le Monde, French military airfields have reinforced hangars to protect equipment in the event of bombardment, but there are not enough of them to accommodate all aircraft.

The army also launched new crisis-management software. It is intended to allow commanders to monitor the situation at all French bases in real time. Previously, coordination was carried out mainly by telephone and email.

General Laurent Charrier, General Duvivier's deputy, said that threats to bases increasingly resemble the situation during the Cold War. The military are also training to use underground shelters. The command centre of Base No. 204 near Mérignac is still located in an 18th-century manor house. According to Le Monde, if funding is included in next year's defence budget, it is planned to be moved underground.