French air force marksmen undergo training
French Air Force airborne marksmen underwent an in-flight firing training campaign on Fennec helicopters from 2 to 4 February. The marksmen play a role in air space protection missions of the air force.
Specialists from the Air Force Protection Squadrons at air base 115 in Orange and air base 107 in Villacoublay took part in the exercise. The 30th Air Force Parachute Commando from Bordeaux also participated, and a Fennec helicopter from the Helicopter Squadron 5/67 was used for the campaign.
Around 20 airborne marksmen and team leaders were able to renew their operational licenses with this campaign. Each team carried out two missions in daylight and a third mission in the night. They fired several weapon types, including illuminating flares, TPS 12 gauge shotgun, 7.62mm HK417 rifle and more.
The marksmen who underwent this exercise take part in mesures actives de sûreté aérienne, or active air security missions. They are supported by a networked and permanent inter-department system that includes radars, national air operations command centre and others.
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