As a permanent priority mission of the Air and Space Force, this system ensures the sovereignty of the French airspace by detecting, identifying and intercepting any intruder in the national sky at very short notice. In the framework of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Air and Space Force will be reinforcing these resources by setting up a special air security system to guarantee air protection for the event.

Every day, more than 12,000 aircraft pass through the French airspace. Each of these aircraft is detected, identified and then classified. This is the raison of the meshed surveillance network covering the whole of France and its approaches. Thanks to a network of nearly seventy civilian and military radars, the three military detection and control centres spread across the country detect aircraft transiting through their areas of responsibility.

Any aircraft detected in our airspace is hence identified according to its type, nationality, the type of ownership (private or state-owned), owner, origin and destination. Aircraft are then classified according to their profile. This active surveillance enables us to constantly assess the level of threat. Any anomaly in the flight plan or the behaviour of an aircraft leads to the implementation of measures adapted to each situation.

When a major event such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games requires increased protection of the skies, a special air security system is put in place. Also known as a "protective bubble", it generally comprises a temporary no-fly zone for all unauthorised aircraft, and a temporary restricted zone with controlled access.

The impermeability of the system is ensured by the use of additional detection capabilities such as ground-to-air defence, AWACS surveillance aircraft, tactical radars and visual lookouts. Detection capabilities are complemented by intervention assets capable of acting across the entire threat spectrum. These include Rafale and Pilatus PC21 aircraft and Fennec helicopters, which can intercept at very short notice any suspicious aircraft threatening the French territory.

Furthermore, within the special air security system, the French Air and Space Force is also responsible for anti-drone operations and the coordination of air traffic at very low altitudes, in liaison with the civil authorities. Indeed, to deal with this growing threat, it is vital to rapidly detect and classify all flying objects, so as to identify potentially hostile aircraft in the mass of objects.

With the prospect of a significant increase in special air security system activities up to 2024, the French Air and Space Force has acquired its third BASSALT detection system, an anti-drone system based on artificial intelligence enabling it to become more efficient with each deployment. This system is under the command of the High Air Defence Authority, which reports directly to the Prime Minister.

Drawing on its experience, the Air and Space Force has tested its special air security arrangements in 2023 during major events such as the 14^th July parade, the Pope's visit and the 2023 Rugby World Cup and will continue to strengthen its capabilities right up to the launch of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.