Fennec Helicopter Assists in Paraglider Rescue

Ministère de la Défense, April 13, 2026 - On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, a Fennec helicopter on Search and Rescue (SAR) standby from Air Base 107 Vélizy-Villacoublay was deployed to the Ardennes to assist a paraglider pilot trapped in a tree. The unusual situation highlights the responsiveness of the SAR chain, continuously operated by airmen of the Air Defense and Air Operations Command (CDAOA).

At 16:30 on April 7, the Aeronautical Rescue Coordination Centre (ARCC) at Air Base 942 Lyon–Mont Verdun received a call from the Ardennes fire brigade. For nearly an hour, a paraglider pilot had been stuck more than 20 meters above the ground after losing control of her canopy—an incident that clearly demonstrates the SAR response process.

ARCC at the Core of SAR Operations

The ARCC in Lyon–Mont Verdun plays a central role in managing SAR missions. Operating 24/7, it centralizes aeronautical emergencies, assesses situations, and coordinates appropriate response assets in cooperation with both civilian and military agencies. In this case, the Gendarmerie Air Section 57 was initially tasked, but the hoist operation was deemed too dangerous.

As time became critical, the ARCC turned to the SAR-alert Fennec helicopter from Air Base 107. The aircraft took off at 17:49 and reached the Ardennes in under an hour, demonstrating the rapid deployment capability of the French Air and Space Force in support of public service missions.

However, upon arrival, a ground extraction was ultimately chosen. The rescue was carried out with the support of the Marne’s GRIMP unit (Specialized Mountain and Hazardous Environment Rescue Group). Due to the tree’s location on a steep, obstructed slope about 150 meters from the nearest accessible road, the GRIMP firefighters successfully rescued and treated the victim, who sustained only minor injuries.

“This SAR operation illustrates the excellent coordination between command centers and inter-ministerial resources,” explained Lieutenant Colonel Alexandra, Deputy Commander of the ARCC in Lyon. “Thanks to a rapid alert and exemplary cooperation between CODIS 08, the Marne GRIMP unit, the Fennec crew, and the ARCC, the rescue mission was carried out efficiently. The immediate engagement of the Air and Space Force and the valuable logistical support from the Ardennes prefecture ensured mission success.”

SAR Operations Overview

In 2025, out of 49 SAR operations, 31 required the use of at least one aerial asset across all ministries. These missions involve searching for and rescuing aircraft in distress, both on land and at sea. While SAR operations are inter-ministerial, operational responsibility lies with the French Air and Space Force, specifically through the ARCC. Based at Air Base 942 Lyon–Mont Verdun, this unit is responsible for centralizing aeronautical emergencies and initiating search and rescue operations when required.