Securing the skies during the G7: the Air and Space Force mobilized

The heads of state and government of the seven most industrialized countries in the world¹ will meet in Évian, France, in G7 format, from June 15 to 17. Crisis in the Middle East, concerns linked to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, situation in Lebanon and continuation of the war in Ukraine… So many elements which illustrate a tense security context. As the host country of the summit, France must ensure the protection of senior authorities, populations and the maintenance of local activities.

Responsible for the air component of securing this summit, the Air and Space Force (AAE) is strengthening the security system already in place, the permanent air security posture². With the support of internal security forces, the AAE brings its capabilities and expertise to prevent, detect and confront any threat permanently and in a proportionate manner.

A reinforced air protection bubble

To meet this challenge, the Air Defense and Air Operations Command (CDAOA) will deploy a 50 km reinforced air protection bubble around the city of Evian. This bubble, or special air security device (DPSA), guarantees permanent surveillance of the airspace, rapid detection of any intrusion and an appropriate reaction to any threat. “It’s a device that will allow us to focus on an event or a specific geographic area.”explains General Olivier Poncet, chief of staff of the CDAOA, during the press briefing of the Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans on June 11.

This is not the first time that the Air and Space Force has implemented this type of device, already deployed during the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris. However, these DPSA concentrates certain particularities. The first, it will last three days, without stopping. The second: the topography of the area. “There are sometimes lake areas, plains, mountainous areas. This has implications, in tactical terms, for detection.”says the general. Finally, the perimeter straddles two countries, Switzerland and France, which required a lot of preparation.

The Air and Space Force plays the role of conductor of the complete continuum: detection, identification, classification, intervention, requiring close coordination with both civil authorities, internal security forces and our partners, in particular Switzerland. “Part of our missions is dedicated to coordination with civil aviation, because near the area is Geneva airport, add the general. It is not a question of prohibiting all traffic but of being informed and decision-making on the accreditations of flights in the area.Cooperation is also essential between ministries, but also with the prefectural authorities in contact with the event on the ground and with the highest authorities of the Nation « responsible for global security »précise le général Poncet.

The means deployed: drones, radars, fighter planes and helicopters

In this multi-layer system, the first layer involves anticipation. The second consists of detection. “Radars will be deployed in addition to allow better coverage, supplemented by the notion of permanence with drones,â€explains the CDAOA chief of staff. Reaper drones will allow very fine visual acquisitions.”

The last layer concerns interception. “French and Swiss fighters and helicopters will be on alert, in flight. The latter will mainly be Fennec helicopters, with snipers on board for classic air security missions, but also with on-board jamming capabilities to fight against drones.underlines General Poncet.

The Air and Space Force is therefore already in place and stands ready to face all threats during this high-level summit.

¹ France, United States, Canada, Japan, United Kingdom, Italy and Germany

² 24 hours a day, the Air and Space Force monitors French airspace, detects and identifies each aircraft that enters it and, if necessary, intercepts threats.