Général Denis Mercier and Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford talk

!!!!!!!!!!!The FBC in conversation with Général Denis Mercier and Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford
February 2015
FRANCO-BRITISH DEFENCE COOPERATION
!
Crédit photo Armée de l’air
Général Denis Mercier
Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford
Chef d’Etat Major de l’armée de l’air
Chief of the Air Staff
!!!!!!!!!!FBC!DEFENCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Contact:!!Dr!Claire!Chick,!!!2015!Conference!
http://www.francobritishdefence.org
!
[email protected]
1!
!!!The FBC in conversation with Général Denis Mercier and Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford
February 2015
Claire Chick : Général, le partenariat franco-britannique entre les deux armées de l’air est une
coopération qui fonctionne bien depuis longtemps. Qu’est-ce que les accords de Lancaster House
lui ont apporté? *
Général Denis Mercier : La coopération entre la Royal Air Force et l’armée de l’air française repose sur une base
historique forte, qui a pris corps dès le début de l’aviation. Le deuxième conflit mondial a contribué à forger un fond
de culture commune, où les pilotes français et britanniques ont appris à voler sur les avions de leurs partenaires de
guerre. L’aviateur René Mouchotte est une figure emblématique de cette entente pragmatique au-dessus de la
Manche. Aujourd’hui, l’excellente qualité de notre relation découle aussi en grande partie de notre expérience
commune au sein de l’OTAN . Nous opérons ensemble en permanence. L’OTAN est un catalyseur d’interopérabilité
que nous utilisons dans la relation franco-britannique, qui nous permet de développer les mêmes concepts de
réactivité. Cette harmonisation des procédures et concepts d’emploi est une spécificité qui est propre aux aviateurs et
qui constitue un socle fort de coopération. Reste que l’apport des accords de Lancaster House est clair : depuis
bientôt cinq ans, nous allons plus loin sur l’échelle du rapprochement bilatéral, tant au niveau tactique qu’au niveau
stratégique.
Quelle est par exemple la valeur ajoutée de la Combined Vision and Strategy (CVS) établie fin
2013? Permet-elle de progresser sur la voie d’une formulation stratégique commune?
La CVS est justement un produit concret des traités franco-!
britanniques de 2010. Les axes qui ont été retenus pour
avancer sur la voie d’une influence commune ont ouvert
cinq domaines de coopération: le C2, les capacités ISR, la
projection stratégique, la force de combat et d’appui et
enfin, l’éducation et l’entraînement. La mise en place du
comité stratégique board to board est une initiative
typiquement franco-britannique, que nous ne connaissons
avec aucun autre partenaire, et qui nous permet de
déterminer ensemble les objectifs de nos deux armées.
!
ACM Pulford et Général Mercier, crédit photo Armée de l’air
Dans la pratique, c’est une démarche qui nous rapproche et nous permet de parler d’une seule voix dans les instances
internationales. La European Air Chiefs Conference (EURAC) et la NATO Air Chiefs Conference (NACS) sont à cet
égard des plateformes où nous avons l’occasion de formuler ensemble des propositions, et d’initier des projets en
affirmant notre leadership.
* Translation into the English page 8
!
2!
!!The FBC in conversation with Général Denis Mercier and Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford
February 2015
Au plan opérationnel, quand pourra-ton parler d’une force de commandement Air franco-britannique
pour intervenir dans la gestion des crises?
La NATO Response Force illustre notre volonté de partager et intégrer nos
compétences. Quand l’armée de l’air est leader de la composante aérienne, elle
reçoit un très fort soutien de la RAF et vice versa. Bien sûr, de nombreuses
autres nations sont impliquées mais les capacités de commandement et contrôle
françaises et britanniques constituent une force. Au niveau bilatéral, les
exercices mis en place dans le cadre du calendrier soutenu de la CJEF sont très
satisfaisants. Mais la prochaine étape doit être l’intégration. Nous devons nous
projeter sur la constitution d’un détachement franco-britannique, et le
partenariat renforcé par les accords de Lancaster House y contribue.
“Nous devons nous
projeter sur la
constitution d’un
détachement francobritannique”
!
Dans le sillage de ce rapprochement de défense en évolution, le partage capacitaire entre l’Armée de l’air
et la RAF représente-t-il une ambition?
Vol en patrouille d'un Typhoon et d'un Rafale biplaces au large de l'Ecosse. Crédit photo : ©UK MOD Crown Copyright, 2012.
!
Une capacité c’est avant tout un groupe d’hommes qui utilise un équipement avec une doctrine d’emploi et une
organisation spécifique. Le partage capacitaire intègre donc avant tout les hommes. Et avec les Britanniques, nous
commençons à le faire. La mise en place d’un réseau d’officiers d’échange est un pas décisif dans cette direction, et
par exemple, l’expérience de pilotes français et britanniques qui volent alternativement sur Eurofighter et Rafale
contribue à confirmer la qualité du partenariat de défense. Plus l’intégration opérationnelle entre nos deux armées est
forte et plus le partage capacitaire franco-britannique deviendra réalisable. C’est vrai pour les avions ravitailleurs et les
transporteurs, c’est vrai aussi pour les drones. Sur le dossier FCAS, aujourd’hui, c’est l’industrie qui a la main pour
préparer les choix technologiques de 2016. Mais les militaires doivent réfléchir de leur côté à un concept capacitaire
commun. Le défi est de taille mais je suis optimiste, la volonté commune d’y arriver est réelle.
!
!
3!
!!The FBC in conversation with Général Denis Mercier and Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford
February 2015
Le CEMAA et le CAS sont-ils des incitateurs à la mutualisation du soutien des matériels à
l’échelle européenne?
Pour préserver la cohérence de nos équipements, nous estimons que la mise en œuvre de normes européennes
communes est un chantier prometteur. Avec L’EMAR (European Military Airworthiness Requirements), la France et
le Royaume-Uni contribuent largement à l’effort d’harmonisation des règles de navigabilité militaire en Europe.
Pour le soutien, il est vrai que l’externalisation pratiquée par les Britanniques sur les MRTT nous empêche
d’envisager une coopération dans le domaine de la formation et de la maintenance. Le partenariat public-privé
matérialisé par le mécanisme du PFI (Private Finance Initiative) n’existe pas en France à ce niveau. Mais sur d’autres
dossiers, les initiatives franco britanniques sont des catalyseurs comme cela a été le cas pour le développement de
l’European Air Group (EAG) né du groupe aérien Franco-Britannique. Enfin, le contrat franco-britannique de
maintien en conditions opérationnelles (MCO) des A400M marque le début d'une coopération inédite dans le soutien
aéronautique. Le défi sera d’étendre, plus tard, cet effort de standardisation aux cinq autres pays partenaires.
!
Quelle(s) priorité(s) faut-il donner à l’entente bilatérale des aviateurs pour les cinq prochaines
années?!
Il faut placer le facteur humain au cœur de la relation franco-britannique de
défense. Il faut que nos militaires se rencontrent pour que demain ils se déploient
ensemble. Il faut que les aviateurs de tous niveaux se connaissent. Aujourd’hui, il
existe des rencontres très fréquentes et de bonnes relations entre nos généraux et
nos colonels. Il faut que nos jeunes officiers et sous-officiers se rencontrent plus
souvent. Nous étions en Afrique récemment avec l’Air Chief Marshal Pulford
pour rendre visite aux aviateurs de la force Barkhane. Les rencontres au poste de
commandement interarmées de N’Djamena et aux détachements de chasse et de
drones ont permis d’afficher notre entente et d’être à l’écoute de nos unités. Il
serait intéressant d’échanger sur nos pratiques en matière de ressources humaines.
Et, par exemple, mettre en avant la question du barrage de la langue, même si en
France la maîtrise de l’anglais devient un critère d’excellence dans le recrutement
de nos militaires. Je suis sûr que bientôt, plus d’aviateurs de la RAF parleront
aussi français!
!
19e rencontre sportive bilatérale entre l’École de l’air et le
RAF College de Cranwell. Crédit photo : © Armée de l'air,
2015.
Qu’est-ce qui vous divise?
Le
partage
du
renseignement
reste
une
difficulté.
La
confiance
mutuelle
engrangée entre nous est conséquente. On ne peut bien sûr pas tout partager,
mais on peut aller plus loin.
!
4!
!!The FBC in conversation with Général Denis Mercier and Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford
February 2015
Claire Chick : Air Chief Marshal, how important are the Lancaster House treaties in the British
defence relationship with France? Is interoperability at the core of the partnership?
Air Chief Marshal Pulford: the Lancaster House Treaties are fundamental to the defence relationship. The ability
of our Armed Forces to operate together is central to the partnership. Developing this interoperability is a key aspect
of the Combined Joint Expeditionary Force, and we are on track to deliver this by April 2016 as planned. Where we
can we are also working together to deliver a common approach to capability acquisition and support, including on
the Future Combat Air System, the Complex Weapons initiative, and the agreements to work together to maximise
A400M support efficiencies.
!
Your recent visit to N’Djamena alongside Général Mercier has shown a great enthusiasm
towards Franco-British cooperation: is there a path for a closer rapprochement between PJHQ
and CPCO in Africa?
!
©UK MOD Crown Copyright 2014
The UK and France have been working increasingly closely together in Africa in recent years. The UK has provided
strategic air transport, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) and training support to French operations,
and UK exchange officers in French posts have deployed with their host units when required. France supported the
deployment of UK Tornado reconnaissance aircraft to N’Djamena last year to provide the Nigerian Government with
ISR information to help its efforts to counter Boko Haram. We have also been developing the relationship between
the operational planning staff in the CPCO in France, and in the Military Strategic Headquarters in London and the
Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, including through the recent Exercise Griffin Blaze. And this
cooperation is not confined to Africa – the RAF and Armée de l’air are also of course operating alongside each other
as part of the air campaign against ISIL in northern Iraq.
!
5!
!!The FBC in conversation with Général Denis Mercier and Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford
Could the common culture
between French and British Air
forces go up to a joint integrated
deployment in the near future?
Yes, should the British
and French Governments
choose to conduct such
an operation.
February 2015
This is integral to the CJEF concept. As part of that
the two Air Forces have agreed a detailed Air
Concept of Employment and developed a more
detailed Concept of Operations for a Combined
Joint Air Component HQ. We have demonstrated
our ability to conduct a joint integrated air
deployment through a series of exercises, including
Joint Warrior and Capable Eagle in 2013, and
through subsequent operational experience in Mali.
What is the challenge of the FCAS for the RAF? How difficult is the alignment with the
expectations of the armée de l’air?
The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme is a central element of our current programme of equipment
cooperation. It has made good progress since it was agreed by the Prime Minister and President Hollande at their
January 2014 Summit at RAF Brize Norton, with a two year feasibility and demonstration contract placed last
November. The way ahead beyond that will be considered as part of the forthcoming Strategic Defence and Security
Review. However we proceed, this programme is looking at least at a 20 year timeframe, at how we might provide the
air capability we will require when the Typhoons reach the end of their operating life. The RAF’s thinking about how
its future combat air capability might be operated in service, nationally or jointly, is therefore at an early stage.
Are you an advocate of a Franco-British visibility within NATO?
As the two leading European military powers the UK and France are playing a
leading role together within NATO as the bedrock of our defence. We both
strongly support the package of measures agreed at the Wales Summit and have
been taking very similar approaches towards their implementation. We are both
important contributors to Alliance actions to reassure Eastern Allies and
demonstrate our commitment to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty. As
Framework Nations for the Very High Readiness Joint Taskforce we are both
sending the strongest possible signals to others to enhance their contributions to
global peace and prosperity.
“As Framework
Nations for the Very
High Readiness Joint
Taskforce we are
both sending the
strongest possible
signals to others”
!
!
6!
!!The FBC in conversation with Général Denis Mercier and Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford
February 2015
The UK leadership in the European Air Group is one year on: what is the plan for the
remaining twelve months? Is the Group influencing?
The key tenet of value for money is still vital to the business of all of !the EAG nations this year and the UK is
committed to taking forward the good work of the EAG as a relevant and focussed organisation that supports the
nations across the full spectrum of Air Power. The EAG will continue to progress a variety of projects to facilitate
interoperability and to integrate training in support of Air Operations, Command and Control, Logistics,
Communication and Information Systems, Force Protection, Remotely Piloted Air Systems activity and in cooperation
with aeromedical best practice. One of the Group’s key products has been the establishment of the interim European
Personnel Recovery Centre which will relocate to Italy in July 2015 when its Initial Operating Capability will be
declared. There will also be exciting work in developing interoperability between 4th and 5th generation aircraft. The
EAG continues to maintain strong links with other multinational Agencies including NATO, the Movements
Coordination Centre Europe, the European Union Military Staff, the European Defence Agency and the European Air
Transport Centre. This will ensure it is able to influence developmental work at the tactical and operational levels.
!
©UK MOD Crown Copyright
What is the domain in which the experience of the RAF benefits the French air force?
The Exchange Officer (EO) and Liaison Officer (LO) programme is one of the most important aspects of our
military co-operation as we continue to build understanding, interoperability and trust between our armed forces.
There are currently just over 30 EOs embedded each way across the Joint Services with additional LOs also in
place. Recent air force exchanges have included a UK pilot on Rafale, who deployed to Chad on French
operations, a French Typhoon pilot who deployed on UK Baltic Air Policing duties, a UK EO (Lt Col RM) serving
with the French in the Central African Republic, and UK and French EOs continue to be directly involved in
developing CJEF. In the Middle East, the French GR4 and Voyager EOs have flown with the UK in support of Op
SHADER whilst the UK EO on Mirage 2000 has flown French missions over Iraq.
!
7!
!!The FBC in conversation with Général Denis Mercier and Air Chief Marshal Andrew Pulford
February 2015
Interview with Général Denis Mercier, English version
Claire Chick: General, the co-operation between French and British air forces has worked well for a long time. What have the Lancaster House
agreements added to this?
General Mercier: The co-operation between the Royal Air Force and the French Armée de l’Air rests on a strong historical foundation that took shape at the
beginning of aviation. The Second World War helped create a common cultural basis, when French and British pilots learnt to fly in their ally’s aeroplanes. The
aviator René Mouchotte is an emblematic figure of this pragmatic entente that took place above the Channel. Today, the excellent quality of our relations stems
in large part from our common experience within NATO. We are continuously operating together. NATO is a catalyst for interoperability that we are utilising in
the Franco-British relationship, allowing us to develop the same reactivity concepts. This harmonisation of procedures and operating concepts is specific to
aviators and constitutes a strong basis for co-operation. The contribution of the Lancaster House agreements remains clear: for almost five years, we have been
going further in terms of mutual rapprochement, whether on the tactical or the strategic level.
What, for example, is the added value of the Combined Vision and Strategy (CVS) established at the end of 2013? Does it enable progression towards a
common strategy formulation?
The CVS is precisely a tangible product of the 2010 Franco-British treaties. The axes which have been kept in order to advance towards a common influence
have opened up five areas of co-operation: C2, ISR capacities, strategic projection, combat and support strength, and lastly education and training. The
implementation of the board-to-board strategic committee is a uniquely Franco-British initiative, which we know with no other partner, and which allows us to
determine the objectives of our two air forces together. In practice, this is an approach that brings us closer together and enables us to speak with a single voice in
international situations. In this respect, the European Air Chiefs Conference (EURAC) and the NATO Air Chiefs Conference (NACS) are platforms where we
have the opportunity to come up jointly with proposals and where we can demonstrate our desire to initiate projects by affirming our leadership.
On the operational level, when could one speak of a Franco-British air force command to intervene in crisis management?
The NATO Response Force illustrates our willingness to share and integrate our capacities. Whenever the Armée de l’Air is the leader of the air component, it
receives very strong support from the RAF and vice versa. Of course, many other nations are involved, but the French and British command and control
capacities are a strength. On the bilateral level, the exercises set up within the framework of the CJEF’s intense calendar are highly satisfactory. But the next step
must be integration. We must envisage the creation of a Franco-British detachment, and the partnership that has been reinforced by the Lancaster House accords
is contributing towards this.
In the wake of the evolving defence rapprochement, is there an ambition to share capacity between the Armée de l’Air and the RAF?
Capacity is above all about a group of people which uses equipment with one employment method and a specific organisation. Capacity sharing is above all
about integrating people. And we have started doing this with the British. The implementation of a network of exchange officers is a decisive step in this
direction, and, for example, the experience of French and British pilots who alternate between flying the Eurofighter and the Rafale contribute to the
confirmation of the quality of the defence partnership. The stronger the operational integration between our two air forces, the more Franco-British capacitysharing becomes achievable. This is true for tanker aircraft and transports, as well as drones. As for FCAS, today it is industry that is shaping the technological
choices of 2016. But military leaders must also for their part think about the concept of shared capacity. It is a sizeable challenge, but I am optimistic: the shared
desire to succeed is real.
Are the Chef d’Etat-Major de l’Armée de l’Air and the Chief of the Air Staff instigators of the mutualisation of support materiel at the European level?
To preserve the coherence of our equipment, we consider that the implementation of common European norms is a promising area of work. With the EMAR
(European Military Airworthiness Requirements), France and the United Kingdom are contributing greatly to efforts to harmonise rules on military airworthiness
in Europe. As for support, it is true that the outsourcing practiced by the British for MRTTs prevents us from envisaging co-operation in the field of training and
maintenance. The public-private partnership realised through the PFI (Private Finance Initiative) mechanism does not exist in France at this level. Yet in other
projects, Franco-British initiatives have been catalysts, as was the case for the development of the European Air Group (EAG) that originated from the AngloFrench air group. Lastly, the Franco-British contract for operational maintenance of the A400M marks the beginning of hitherto unseen co-operation in
aeronautical support. The challenge will be to later extend this standardisation effort to the five other partner countries.
What priority (or priorities) should be given to the air forces’ bilateral entente for the next five years?
The human factor has to be put at the heart of the Franco-British defence relationship. Our servicemen and women have to meet one another so that tomorrow
they can be deployed together. Flyers of all ranks must get to know each other. At present there are frequent meetings and good relations between our senior
officers. Our junior officers and NCOs must meet up more often. We were recently in Africa with Air Chief Marshal Pulford, visiting the airmen of the Barkhane
force. The meetings at the joint command post of N’Djamena and at the fighter and drone detachments allowed us to display our entente and to listen to our
units. It would be interesting to exchange our practices in terms of human resources. And, for example, to highlight the question of the language barrier, even
though in France a thorough knowledge of English is becoming a criterion of excellence in the recruitment of our personnel. I am sure that soon more RAF pilots
will also speak French!
What divides you?
Intelligence sharing remains a difficulty. We cannot of course share everything, but we can go further.
!
8!