The French Air and Space Force has launched VOLFA 2025, its annual high-intensity combat training exercise, which will run from September 22 to October 10.
Organized by the Air Defense and Air Operations Command (CDAOA), the drill brings together over 1,000 personnel and around 50 aircraft from four NATO nations, operating from 12 French air bases including Mont-de-Marsan, Orléans, Cazaux, Istres, Cognac, Avord, and Solenzara.
Colonel Jean-Christophe, head of the CDAOA operational preparation division, described VOLFA as the force’s “capstone training event at the highest level of complexity,” designed to prepare crews for operations in contested airspace under constant threat.
While primarily a French exercise, VOLFA also tests the interoperability of allied forces. This year’s participants include Italian Tornados, Greek F-16s, a Canadian CC-130 Hercules, and a British A400M Atlas.
“Opening up to foreign partners, but also seeking synergies with other armed forces, allows us to test the interoperability of our airmen,” Colonel Jean-Christophe said.
En direct depuis la base aérienne 118 de Mont-de-Marsan. Le début des raids aériens #VOLFA25, c’est maintenant ! pic.twitter.com/BImi5No7wu
— Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (@Armee_de_lair) September 29, 2025
Training for contested airspace
The 2025 scenario draws lessons from recent conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East. Crews face electronic attack, cyber effects, and a persistent air and missile threat. New features include low-altitude day-and-night refueling between A400Ms and Rafales, as well as dynamic targeting missions directed from the Lyon command center.
Dispersal drills also feature prominently, with aircraft redeployed across France, reflecting NATO’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE) concept. The French Air Force refers to this as the “MORANE” operational concept. France has already practiced these tactics, most recently in November 2024 when Rafales deployed to Spangdahlem, Germany, and Zagreb, Croatia, for ACE training with allies.
VOLFA also serves as a classroom, with the Air Warfare Center conducting its Qualified Weapons Instructor (QWI) course in conjunction with the exercise to help codify new tactics.
Joint and allied integration
Beyond national readiness, VOLFA 2025 prepares France for its role as framework nation of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF) in 2026, a high-readiness formation designed for rapid deployment. Tactical transports from three NATO nations are central to drills in embarkation, airdrop, and redeployment.
Other branches are training in parallel: the French Army’s AGIIS exercise adds air defense, attack helicopters, and paratroopers, while the Navy’s Wildfire 25 drill focuses on counter-drone warfare.
VOLFA 2025 follows just a week after Operation Poker, the French Strategic Air Forces’ quarterly nuclear-deterrence drill simulating the entire sequence of a nuclear strike mission.
Together, the two exercises underscore how France trains across the full spectrum of airpower, from high-intensity combat to strategic deterrence.
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