The Quest for Relevant Air Power

110 │ French Air Force
Courtesy FAF, Sirpa Air
Operation Artemis. Operation Artemis in 2003 was the EU’s first autonomous
military operation outside Europe. The FAF rapidly deployed a camp
into the crisis area.
ing a contingent of Mirage F1s, which appeared to have a deterring
effect at potential trouble spots. 161 France’s military experience
on the African continent also played a crucial role in the joint and
multinational operation EUFOR in Chad and the Central African
Republic. The EU operation, lasting from 28 January 2008 to 15
March 2009, took place against the backdrop of the crisis in
Darfur. A key objective for the 3,700 troops deployed to Chad and
to the Central African Republic was to protect civilians, particularly
refugees. 162
While retaining a sufficient presence to facilitate rapid joint
military interventions, Sarkozy reduced the French military footprint
on the African continent. The emphasis shifted towards the
major strategic axis of the Atlantic-Mediterranean-Indian Ocean,
as identified by the 2008 Defence White Book. 163 In particular, a
permanent French military presence was built up in the United
Arab Emirates. 164
Humanitarian Operations outside Africa
While Africa has remained a major hotspot for French stabilization
and humanitarian operations since the days of the Cold
War, the focus has become broader in the post–Cold War era.
Cambodia and Bosnia in particular have attracted French assistance.
Moreover, the FAF has assisted civil authorities in emergency
situations such as floods within France itself. 165