Eurocopter AS355 Ecureuil 2
in 
Armée de l'Air
French Air Force
Service : 1991 to present
The French Air and Space Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace) maintains a permanent alert posture using its AS555 Fennec light helicopters to ensure the security of French airspace.
These helicopters are specialized for air defense and surveillance, specifically targeting "slow-moving" threats like microlights, light civilian planes, and drones that are difficult for high-speed fighter jets to intercept. In their alert role, Fennecs are often equipped with specialized tools such as NEROD-RF jammers to neutralize unauthorized drones and can carry marksmen to force non-compliant aircraft to land. This capability was recently highlighted during high-profile events, such as the Pope's apostolic visit to Monaco in March 2026, where Fennecs formed a critical part of a "protection bubble" that successfully intercepted unauthorized aerial activity.
While their primary role is air defense, the French Air Force’s AS555 Fennec helicopters are also vital assets for Search and Rescue (SAR) and public service missions. Because they are kept on high alert (the Mesures Actives de Sûreté Aérienne or MASA), they are often the first to be scrambled when an aircraft goes missing or a distress beacon is activated. Their light, agile frame allows them to land in tight spots—like forest clearings or narrow roads—to provide medical assistance or recover survivors. Beyond SAR, these crews are frequently called upon for civil protection tasks, such as monitoring forest fires or performing reconnaissance during natural disasters,.
Earlier airframes listed under Aeropastiale.
These helicopters are specialized for air defense and surveillance, specifically targeting "slow-moving" threats like microlights, light civilian planes, and drones that are difficult for high-speed fighter jets to intercept. In their alert role, Fennecs are often equipped with specialized tools such as NEROD-RF jammers to neutralize unauthorized drones and can carry marksmen to force non-compliant aircraft to land. This capability was recently highlighted during high-profile events, such as the Pope's apostolic visit to Monaco in March 2026, where Fennecs formed a critical part of a "protection bubble" that successfully intercepted unauthorized aerial activity.
While their primary role is air defense, the French Air Force’s AS555 Fennec helicopters are also vital assets for Search and Rescue (SAR) and public service missions. Because they are kept on high alert (the Mesures Actives de Sûreté Aérienne or MASA), they are often the first to be scrambled when an aircraft goes missing or a distress beacon is activated. Their light, agile frame allows them to land in tight spots—like forest clearings or narrow roads—to provide medical assistance or recover survivors. Beyond SAR, these crews are frequently called upon for civil protection tasks, such as monitoring forest fires or performing reconnaissance during natural disasters,.
Earlier airframes listed under Aeropastiale.
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