France retires KC-135 as MRTT fully takes on tanker-transport role

The last French Air and Space Force KC-135 performs a final flypast with the Patrouille de France national aerobatic display team during the type's retirement ceremony on 30 June. (French Air and Space Force)

The French Air and Space Force has retired the last of its Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers as the Airbus Defence and Space (DS) A330-200 Phénix Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) fully takes on the aerial refuelling and cargo/personnel transport role for the service.

The sundown ceremony for the last of 14 KC-135RG/C-135FR aircraft of Aerial Refuelling Squadron 4/31 ‘Sologne' took place at Istres-Le Tube Air Base on 30 June, as the unit is now fully replaced by the 12 (rising to 15) Aerial Refuelling and Strategic Transport Squadron 1/31 ‘Bretagne'.

“After more than 60 years of in-flight refuelling and airborne nuclear deterrence missions, this legendary aircraft takes its final bow,” the French Air and Space Force said, adding, “The torch has now been passed to the A330 MRTT Phénix, [with] the 13th aircraft just delivered. After the legend, the mission continues.”

As noted by Janes World Air Forces, the C‐135Fs were acquired in 1964 to operate specifically in conjunction with France's small force of Dassault Mirage IV nuclear bombers, although their mission is much larger. France initially bought 12 C‐135F aircraft, but one crashed in 1972. In 1995, these aircraft were modified to receive wing pods enabling them to refuel two fighters simultaneously. In 1997, France announced that it wanted to buy five former US Air Force KC‐135Rs. However, due to a budget reduction, the number was limited to three. These aircraft did not have the wing pods and were mainly used for training duties.