Newly appointed Chief of the Air Force, Air Marshal Stephen Chappell has wasted little time reinforcing the deep connections Air Force has with our allies and partners on the international stage.
Following his recent visit to the Global Air Space Chiefs’ Conference in London, Air Marshal Chappell travelled to Paris to meet his French counterpart General Stéphane Mille. The visit comes just a few weeks after the French Air and Space Force celebrated its 90th anniversary.
It was the first time in seven years that a Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force has visited the Chief of the French Air and Space Force in France.
Air Marshal Chappell described the meeting as a great privilege.
“Australia’s defence relationship with France continues to go from strength to strength,” Air Marshal Chappell said.
“Just this past year has seen military cooperation between our two countries grow, with the RAAF deploying to Réunion Island to support joint maritime security efforts with France.
“We’re also currently working closely with France at Pitch Black 24 following its joint deployments with the UK, Germany and Spain to Darwin under Mission PEGASE. We look forward to seeing the Rafale, CN235 and MRTT in action on home soil.
“It was an honour to engage once again with our friends in France.
“I am delighted to see our air forces working so closely in support of a more secure and prosperous region.”
