
Ventiseri-Solenzara Air Base is the core of a developing
tactical training centre with a European Mindset. Located within European air space, its ambition is to give air forces, at an unbeatable price, the opportunity of a training frame, halfway
between routine training and the advanced international exercises such as Red Flag or Maple Flag.
In a European mindset, this tactical training center gives
military forces opportunities of training, similar to the real rules of engagement met on actual field of operations
A master asset consists of the Diane shooting range.
Located 22 miles north of the Air Base, it stretches on
1322 acres and allows air-to-ground and ground-to-ground firing. It can be used by all kinds of combat aircraft for laser-guided firing, visual, skip or dive bombing, and also for rocket or
gun firing. Additionally to this shooting range, air combat training areas D67 and D54 allow respectively air-to-air gunnery and real air-to-air missiles firing. The latter is achieved
thanks to the Mediterranean missile launching test centre.
At last, the helicopter squadron and its SAR instruction
cell maintain regular training for crews, originally taught by the SAR training division of CAZAUX Air Base.
A global frame with joint, combined and interservices scope
The various ground to ground shooting ranges, the assault course in Diane, the ground
features and the free access to shore areas have lead to the organization of multi-purpose tactical training courses for Air Force commandos. These specificities added to the localisation
of the 2nd Foreign Paratroop Regiment (2ème REP) in Calvi, the regular attendance of Navy vessels, helicopters and aircraft during training periods give the opportunity of developing a
global tactical training frame.Impressed by the assets of this Air Base, many foreign air force units regulary deploy there in conjunction with French squadrons in
order.
A Combined Air Operation Center created during “Allied
Action” (NRF certification exercise for the French Air Force) and recently used during AIREX 2006, provides a “ready to use” command structure for any kind of civil or military exercise or
operation. iit is today tasking AIREX 07/02 with around 800 personnel stationned on base for the JFACC / CAOC.
A reactive and multi-purpose logistic support
The large housing and support capability add another dimension to Ventiseri-Solenzara Air Base. Indeed, it permanently houses a
draft of anti-riot police, a 44 Signal Corps detachment, and a draft of fire emergency services each summer.
Wide-ranging exercises taking place regulary also showcase the Air Base. It can house 55 aircraft at once, and support their activities
thanks to its qualified staff, high standard equipments and its great infrastructure.
It can accommodate 300 personnel up to more than 500.
A brand new mess facility opened in 2007 and is able to feed up to 1000 people.