The French Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans awarded the contract through the Armed Forces Commissariat after a competition, Top Aces said. The service, known as Red Air, will let French units train against aircraft equipped to mimic advanced threats.
Top Aces France will provide Alpha Jets and upgraded A-4N Skyhawks fitted with sensors and other systems to replicate those threats. French nationals will fly the aircraft through Top Aces France, with the fleet deployed around the country so air force, navy and army units can train close to their bases.
“We are honoured to partner with SDTS and Babcock France to support the operational training requirements of the French Armed Forces,” said Paul Bouchard, chief executive of Top Aces. “This award reflects the growing demand among European allies for dedicated, high-quality adversary air capabilities that allow frontline forces to focus their resources on operational readiness.”
The French award is Top Aces’ second long-term contract with a European NATO member in 2026, following a renewed 10-year agreement with Germany’s armed forces worth up to €420 million. “Together with our French partners, we look forward to delivering advanced, mission-relevant training tailored to the needs of France’s air, naval and land forces,” said Didier Toussaint, the company’s group president for international operations.
