List of military aircraft of France

Summary

France has used many military aircraft both in the French Air and Space Force, and other branches of its armed forces. Multiple aircraft were designed and built in France, but many aircraft from elsewhere, or part of joint ventures have been used as well. Lighter-than-air aircraft such as dirigibles and balloons found use starting in the 19th century used mainly for observation. The advent of World War I saw an explosion in the number France's aircraft, though development slowed after. While having many promising designs in development in the 1930s, government wrangling delayed development enough there was little available at the out break of World War II. The armistice in 1940 marked a low point, with Vichy France being allowed only reduced numbers and development halting. Many French aircraft were captured and used by Nazi Germany and its allies. Some aircraft that did escape served with the Allies or Free French forces, who also used many other types of allied aircraft. The cold-war saw the continued use of many other Western aircraft, mainly from the U.S., during a period of rebuilding of the aviation industry and under threat of war with the Soviet Union. Many new types would come into service including the very successful Mirage series or the latest design, the Rafale.

Nieuport 28

To the end of World War I edit

World War II edit

See List of aircraft of the French Air Force during World War II

Rest of the 20th century edit

21st century edit

Aircraft either introduced after 2000 or in service as of 2000.

Fixed-wing edit

Propeller edit

Jet edit

Helicopters edit

Gallery of the progression of French fighters edit

Gallery of the progression of French naval fighters edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Pilatus Sells 21 PC-21s, Including 17 for the French Air Force". Pilatus Aircraft. 4 January 2017. Archived from the original on 17 August 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.