#378 September 2019 // 93the detection and control centre at Mont-
de-Marsan. On this occasion, the aim of
the mission was to protect a slow-moving
transport aircraft delivering paratroopers to
a drop zone (DZ), and the Indian Sukhois
(Blue Air) were tasked to protect the airlifter.
The CDC, using the callsign ‘Marina’,
monitored the morning wave of the exercise.
These controllers are also responsible for
covering all flying activities in the southwest
of France, including air traffic and air
defence quick reaction alert (QRA) missions- known as Permanence Opérationelle.
The control centre co-operates closely with
other regional CDCs and the centralised
French control hub at BA 942 Lyon-Mont
Verdun air base, callsign ‘Rambert’.
AFM witnessed the aircraft return from
their morning mission before a debriefing
took place in the afternoon, most of which
was classified. As the large force also
included aircraft flying from their home bases
elsewhere in France, a video connection
was set up to discuss the results of the
day’s flying with these participants as well.
7564AFM1: In-fl ight refuelling probe deployed, Su-30MKI
SB430 approaches the tanker over the
Mediterranean en route to Garuda VI. The
‘Flankers’ were refuelled by a French Air Force
C-135FR during the last stage of their ferry
fl ight to France. Armée de l’Air2: Alpha Jet E 104
‘8-TG’ tucks up its gear as it departs Mont-de-
Marsan. This aircraft is assigned to the École de
Transition Opérationnelle (ETO) 8 stationed at BA
120 Cazaux. 3: SB435 trails its twin brake ’chutes.
Serials of the Su-30MKIs involved in Garuda VI
comprised SB138, SB423, SB430 and SB435. 4:
Among the local participants was this Mirage
2000D, serial 617 ‘3-IS’, operated by the resident
Escadron de Chasse et d’Expérimentation (ECE)
1/30 ‘Côte d’Argent’. This aircraft received special
markings for this year’s NATO Tiger Meet, also
held at Mont-de-Marsan.5: A pair of Su-30MKI
‘drivers’ pose for the media at Mont-de-Marsan.
The ‘Hunting Hawks’ contingent comprised a mix
of experienced and younger aviators. 6: A head-
on view of the IAF’s future fi ghter – Armée de
l’Air Rafale C 114 ‘30-IS’ of EC 2/30 ‘Normandie-
Niemen’ which hosted the manoeuvres. Deliveries
of the fi rst Indian Rafales are due to begin this
autumn. 7: Su-30MKI SB435 taxies after returning
from a BFM sortie. Recent announcements from
Russia’s Federal Service for Military-Technical
Cooperation indicate that India is lining up
purchase of an additional 18 Su-30MKI fi ghters.Colonel Antoine Courty, commanding offi cer
of EC 2/30. The squadron boss took the Indian
VCAS Air Marshal Bhadauria for a fl ight in one
of the unit’s two-seat Rafale Bs.http://www.airforcesmonthly.com90-93 FlankersinFrance AFM Sep2019.indd 93 7/30/2019 3:45:05 PM