Since the first edition in 2007, exercise Green Shield (“Bouclier Vert” in French) has been organised frequently. The exercise brings together the Royal Saudi Air Force and the French Air Force. Planning for the 2014 edition started already in May 2013 when delegations of both countries met for an Initial Planning Conference (IPC) in Paris. While the 2012 edition in Saudi Arabia focussed on Close Air Support (CAS), the 2014 edition, held at BA113 Nancy-Ochey, was aimed at both air-to-air combat and CSAR missions.

History of Green Shield

The first edition of Green Shield was held in Saudi-Arabia, after which a return visit was paid by six F-15s from Taif/King Fahd Air base. The 2012 edition of the exercise was held at BA102 Dijon, where the Eagles from RSAF 5sq flew alongside Mirage 2000-5Fs, Rafales and Alpha Jets. In 2012, the French deployed three Rafales and three Mirage 2000D to King Faisal AB to operatate alongside Saudi Tornados and F-15s. During the 2012 Green Shield, an F-15 and Mirage 2000D were lost in a mid-air collision. Luckily, all crew survived the incident.

Green Shield 1            2007 – Saudi Arabia

Green Shield 2            2009 – BA102 Dijon

Green Shield 3            2012 – Tabuk/King Faisal AB, Saudi Arabia (French participation from 3x Rafale and 3x Mirage 2000D)

Green Shield 4            2014 – BA133 Nancy

Goals

As for all the editions of Green Shield, interoperability is the magic word. Over the last few years, the RSAF has been very active in teaming-up with their allies, participating in both major exercises (Red Flag, Anatolian Eagle) as well in bi-lateral exchanges (Green Flag in the UK). Although the focus per exercise may be different, the RSAF is actively looking for best practices and experience for their fighter pilots. Green Shield 4 focussed on different scenarios, with several air-to-air combat secnarios. Additionally, CSAR manouvres were practiced every day.

Participants

The RSAF fighters from 2sq arrived on Thursday 3 April 2014, supported by two A330-202MRT tankers from 24sq (Al Kharj/Prince Sultan Air Base). The tankers diverted to Metz-Nancy Lorraine, leaving back to Saudi Arabia the following day. One day earlier, four C-130Hs from the Jeddah/Princa Abdullah Air Base based 4sq and 16sq flew in the ground and support personnel needed for the exercise.

The French Air Force participated with a variety of units from different bases. Luxeuil based EC01.002 “Cigones” sent in their Mirage 2000-5Fs while EC02.005 “Ile de France” from Orange participated with the classic Mirage 2000Cs and Mirage 2000Bs. Nearby St.Dizier flew in some Rafales from EC01.007 “Provence” and EC01.091 “Gascogne”. For the CSAR missions, two EC725R2 Caracal from EH01.067 “Pyrênees” were present.

Operations

All visiting units, including the RSAF 2sq operated from the EC02.003 ramp, while the Mirage 2000D mainly operated out of the shelters at the base. During Green Shield 2014, a typical mission day would consist of a morning sortie and an afternoon sortie, made up of a mixed bag of aircraft enabling different scenarios while airborne. The two CSAR helicopters would leave before the launch of fighters, and return after the last fighters came in to land.