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France and UK eye mutual benefits from potential RAF secondments

18th August 2022 - 11:58 GMT | by Jean-Marc Tanguy in Paris

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French Air and Space Force KC-130J flown by the Rhin-Rheine Squadron based in Normandy. (Photo: Jean-Marc Tanguy)

Could the RAF transfer crews from soon-to-be-retired platforms to France in a new example of cross-Channel collaboration?

Shephard has learned that initial staff-level feasibility discussions are taking place between the RAF and French Air and Space Force with a view to sending UK crews on secondment to France.

A number of RAF platforms — notably the Puma HC2 helicopter, E-3D Sentry and C-130J Super Hercules — will be phased out in the next few years, while the same aircraft will remain in service for longer in France.

Secondment seems an elegant solution for both countries: it would save France the expense of training pilots and aircrew, while the RAF crews would retain flying time while they

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