EU NAVFOR welcomes a French E-3F SDCA into the Force

EU NAVFOR welcomes the E-3F SDCA (French Air Force – Base of Avord) that has very recently arrived in Djibouti to reinforce EU NAVFOR operational ability.

The aircraft conducted its first operational flight yesterday in the Somali Basin and will play a major part in counter-piracy operation for the next three weeks.

With a detection system scanning capability of up to 360° and 250 Nm, this radar-aircraft will provide a high added value to the maritime forces deployed in Indian Ocean and Gulf of Aden.

The E-3F SDCA will offer the capability to display and establish a global sea situation, to identify and follow suspicious targets and transmit, in real time, information to Units.

The aircraft will be able to monitor the main operational areas of interest and to participate in the coordination of EU NAVFOR’s maritime and aerial units.

The E-3F SDCA is operated by a detachment of 60 persons and should carry out numerous flights, equivalent to approximately 150 fly hours.

Source : Etat-major Atalante