France and UK eye mutual benefits from potential RAF secondments
French Air and Space Force KC-130J flown by the Rhin-Rheine Squadron based in Normandy. (Photo: Jean-Marc Tanguy)
Could the RAF transfer crews from soon-to-be-retired platforms to France in a new example of cross-Channel collaboration?
Shephard has learned that initial staff-level feasibility discussions are taking place between the RAF and French Air and Space Force with a view to sending UK crews on secondment to France.
A number of RAF platforms — notably the Puma HC2 helicopter, E-3D Sentry and C-130J Super Hercules — will be phased out in the next few years, while the same aircraft will remain in service for longer in France.
Secondment seems an elegant solution for both countries: it would save France the expense of training pilots and aircrew, while the RAF crews would retain flying time while they
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