Volfa 2021
Since 2014, exercise Volfa is held annually at Base Aérienne 118 Mont-de-Marsan (France). During a two-week period, the exercise highlights how allied and partner countries provide security to NATO members. This year's exercise, held from 27 September to 15 October, saw aircraft participation from France, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
The goal of the exercise is to prepare aircrews and defence operators for the operations of tomorrow. Around 30 missions were carried out day and night allowing Allies to practice interoperability for complex initial force entry operations, including air superiority, reconnaissance and close air support. The latter was carried out in close coordination with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs) who were embedded with ground forces providing vital air support to the land commanders.
The scenario of the exercise is the struggle between the Grayland represented by the allies and the Redland represented by the imaginary enemy. After six months of tensions in Grayland and in accordance with the United Nations (UN) resolution 1805, France is preparing to launch Operation Volfa. The objective, is to protect the civilian populations against the armed forces of Marko Ramius, president of Redland.
Air operations are mainly conducted from BA118 Mont-de-Marsan for fighter aircraft and BA120 Cazaux for helicopters and transporters. The high number of missions flown demands strict control of the planners and the mission commanders. According to Colonel Gilles, commanding officer, "compared to previous editions, the new part is to have consistency and continuity throughout the exercise. To place our crews in very realistic situations, and each day the established scenario evolves according to what we succeed or not."
France participated with Rafale fighters from EC02.030 Normandie-Niemen and EC03.030 Lorraine, Mirage 2000-5 from EC01.002 Cigognes, Mirage 2000D from EC003, MQ-9 from ED02.003, various transporters and helicopters. Canada brought three CH-146 Grifon helicopters plus a C-130J-30 Super Hercules. Germany participated with EF2000 Typhoons from TLG71. The French aviation enthousiasts website Delta Reflex provided an overview with the serials of the participating aircraft.
The Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace (AAE, French Air and Space Force) released a number of videos on this exercise.