Babcock has secured a new contract to train pilots for the French Air and Space Force and Navy, reinforcing its position within the national military flight-training system.
The agreement includes both academic instruction and hands-on flight training for student pilots, Weapons Systems Officers, and simulator instructor trainees.
Training will be delivered at two key French air bases, each supporting a different stage of the pilot pipeline.
At Salon-de-Provence Air Base, in southern France, trainees will conduct initial flight training on Cirrus SR22 aircraft, used for early-stage pilot formation and basic flight skills development.
The base is one of France’s main entry points for military aviation training.
At Cognac Air Base, in western France, training will continue on Grob 120 aircraft, supporting more advanced preparation before pilots transition to operational military platforms.
Babcock already supports fighter-crew training activities at this location.
“By strengthening our collaboration with the French Armed Forces, we are expanding our local footprint, creating new opportunities, and reinforcing our role as a trusted partner,” stated Pierre Basquin, Chief Executive Aviation & CEO Babcock France.
Latest Contracts
The recent contract maintains the company’s long-standing involvement in France’s training pipeline.
Last year, Paris selected the company to provide a high-performance jet for training and evaluation missions. Under the deal, an L-39 aircraft will be supplied to the EPNER test pilot school.
The aircraft will be used for instruction, flight evaluation, and target-simulation tasks supporting the French Defense Procurement Agency – Flight Testing Directorate, the state body responsible for military flight testing and certification.
In addition to adversary simulation, the jet will support initial and refresher flights for test pilots and instructors, as well as hands-on training for maintenance personnel involved in flight-test activities.
