Ivory Coast and France strengthen military ties with joint air drills in Gbêkê region

Following a successful inaugural exercise in June, the recent Franco-Ivorian military drills aimed to assess the operational readiness of the Bouaké Air Base for combat aviation and to enhance the skills of Ivorian pilots on newly acquired equipment.

According to a statement from the Ivorian army, this collaboration allows the Ivorian Air Force to tap into French military aviation expertise, bolstering its modernisation efforts and operational capabilities.

“The proximity of doctrines and operational concepts between the two air forces greatly facilitated the exercise,” the Ivorian army’s general staff stated, highlighting that “the manoeuvre involved around ten aircraft of various types, enabling crews from both nations to collaborate on a broad range of skills.”

The operations included ground aircraft protection, aerial patrols with onboard gunners, in-flight refuelling, interceptions, and other advanced tactical procedures, according to the military’s report.

The heads of the air components from both nations jointly oversaw the exercise, demonstrating high-level commitment to this bilateral partnership.

Their active participation, particularly during a real-time air interdiction operation, underscored the importance placed on this military collaboration.

After 72 hours of intensive drills, both military staffs expressed full satisfaction with the outcomes.

This success not only reaffirms the central role of Bouaké Air Base in the air coercion strategy of the Ivorian Armed Forces but also highlights the effectiveness of the Franco-Ivorian military cooperation.

This second joint air manoeuvre brought together about a hundred participants, including pilots, support personnel, and planning teams from both countries, showcasing the mutual benefits of this partnership.

For Ivory Coast, it provides a unique opportunity to hone the skills of its pilots on the latest acquisitions, while for France, it strengthens its strategic presence and influence in the region.

As both nations continue to deepen their defence ties, this joint exercise marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing efforts to enhance the operational readiness and interoperability of their air forces, paving the way for further collaboration in the future.