VOLFA 14-1 is a French Air Force exercise which is organized in the French Massif Central from 24th to 27th of March. The air transport assets will be stationed during the exercise at the Air Force Base 123 at Orléans and the fighter aircrafts will come from the bases at Luxeuil, Istres, Saint-Dizier, Orange, Nancy, Mont de Marsan et Dijon.
Beside the two French C160, the French C130 and two French CN235, EATC made it possible, that also one C160 from the German Air Force will participate at the exercise. Another Belgian C130 was also foreseen, but due to operational reasons the participation had to be cancelled finally.
Last but not least, for the first time in the history of VOLFA, an A400M will participate in some of the manoeuvers. The goal of this is to validate some specific tactical procedures which have been developed by the MEST (Multi-national Entry into Service Team) at Orléans.
The exercise, which will last 4 days, will present a number of single air transport missions - as well as combined with fighter aircraft and paratrooping.
Text: Pascal Ballinger
Pictures: German and French Air Force, A. Jeuland