France’s underappreciated air presence in the Indo-Pacific underscores its long-term commitment to regional partnerships, especially with Australia. It improves regional security and offers an opportunity for more cooperation with Australia.
Few people in the Indo-Pacific, even those who are concerned with strategic affairs, would know that the French Air and Space Force (Armee de l’Air et de l’Espace) has five bases in the region. (See the graphic.) The bases and the crews and aircraft on them operate surveillance missions and stand ready to help in disaster relief.
Priorities for the air and space force in French overseas territories, such as those in the Indian and Pacific oceans, include protection of French territories, intervention during crisis and support to international coalitions, according to the Military Programming Act for 2024 to 2030.
France has not just a persistent air presence in the Indo-Pacific but can reinforce it rapidly from Europe using its own bases and those of partners with which it trains in interoperability.
In the Indian Ocean, the air and space force’s westernmost base is in Djibouti: Air Base 188 (Base aerienne 188, or BA 188). Then there are other bases in the United Arab Emirates (BA 104) and Reunion Island (BA 181). The three facilities, especially the first two, establish a deterrent presence focused on the Middle East, and they support operational continuity from Europe to the Indian Ocean. They also facilitate joint exercises, such as Garuda, undertaken with India, which enhance interoperability.
In the Pacific Ocean, France’s air presence is anchored in New Caledonia (BA 186) and Tahiti (Detachement Air 190, or Air Detachment 190). These facilities can host Rafale fighters and A400M airlifters from Europe, which can be deployed to strengthen work with partners through exercises such as ARC21 with Japan and the United States.
The bases at Reunion, New Caledonia and Tahiti host surveillance and transport aircraft and helicopters. These bases ensure a permanent air presence with aircraft and helicopters dedicated to search and rescue, maritime surveillance and disaster relief operations. With its bases, aircraft, and personnel, France is well positioned to respond alongside its international partners and contribute to peace in the Indo-Pacific.
French air units assist civilians during humanitarian operations in the Pacific, with the best example being support following Cyclone Kevin, which hit Vanuatu in 2023. The air and space force, combined with maritime assets, sends rescue teams and equipment to the region from the African coast and across the Pacific. France also conducts Indo-Pacific humanitarian-assistance exercises, such as Croix du Sud (Southern Cross), Equateur and Marara.
Australia would benefit from developing a much stronger partnership with the French Air and Space Force. France does not consider itself a merely visiting partner to the Indo-Pacific. In fact, it seeks to become a more influential player, promoting stability through active engagement and a commitment to regional security. Moreover, it sees Australia as one of its main Indo-Pacific partners.
Australia already cooperates with France in Indo-Pacific surveillance, and France participates in such Australian exercises as the biennial Pitch Black. Deeper cooperation would benefit both countries and the region generally. Moreover, France’s air presence in the Indo-Pacific offers a unique opportunity for the Australian Defence Force to work locally with a NATO member other than the United States.
Also France is the only European Union member to maintain a permanent military air presence in the Indo-Pacific.
Its air presence plays an important role in the region. By keeping air power there and demonstrating a capacity for rapid reinforcement from Europe, France emphasises its long-term commitment to stability in the Indo-Pacific.
