Air Base 126 - Capitaine Preziosi

Tactical training center

	Ventiseri-Solenzara Air Base is the core of a developing tactical training center 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.

An exceptional environment

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, Ventiseri-Solenzara Air Base is a strategic platform that enjoys excellent weather conditions, a large and open airspace without restrictions, and a land and maritime environment favourable to joint and combined training. The close proximity to the Decimomannu Air Base in Sardinia offers another major geographical advantage.
The complementarity of both air bases and the joint exercises renewed each year give excellent operational prospects, which fit perfectly into the birth of a tactical training centre for European Air Forces. In the west, the D54 zone allows large training with the air assets located on Istres and Orange Air Bases.

Outstanding capabilities for air combat, firing and SAR trainings

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 interdepartmental 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 to accomplish combined training. 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.

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 open in 2007 is able to feed up to 1000 people.