France sends A400M military aircraft to evacuate its nationals

Given the complicated situation in Israel. For example, France announces the sending of A400M military aircraft to evacuate its nationals to Cyprus. Furthermore, A first flight has already been made, but the operation will last several days.

France deploys A400M to evacuate its nationals from Israel

It is an unusual air ballet in bilateral relations: the French Air Force was mobilized to transport. Moreover, ” Subject to Israeli authorization “, His nationals from Ben Gurion Airport to Cyprus. For example, This is what the Ministries of Armed Forces and Foreign Affairs have jointly announced on Sunday, June 22, 2025. Nevertheless, This measure completes the civil evacuations operated since Jordan and Charm El-Cheikh, in Egypt.

In a context where ” 160 French nationals. Similarly, mostly in emergency and vulnerability Have already been repatriated via Amman, sending military means is not anecdotal. For france sends a400m military aircraft example, Minister Jean-Noël Barrot. present at Paris-Orly airport, confirmed the arrival of the first evacuated: “ 160 French people returned this evening from Israel. Two other flights to come, and from tomorrow, our military planes will be engaged “, He wrote on X.

For this operation, France uses A400M planes, a model in service for several years, dedicated specifically to military transport. This time, it will be used to transport civilians from Israel to the metropolis.

President Emmanuel Macron did not just follow the events at a distance. It was at the end of a National Defense. Security Council held at the Élysée Palace that the decision to resort to the A400M was validated. The Israeli strikes of June 13 against Iranian nuclear infrastructure triggered an immediate response. Marked in particular by Iranian missile shots at Ben Gurion airport and other sensitive sites.

A fear of climbing in the france sends a400m military aircraft Middle East

Behind this mobilization. Paris is concerned about the direct threat that these reprisals pose over its citizens. The Quai d’Orsay crisis and support center (CDCS) recorded more than 4,500 calls in one week. And for good reason: 250,000 French people reside in Israel, 100,000 of which are registered on the consular lists.

The Ministry of the Armed Forces told AFP that ” The number of flights would be adjusted according to needs ». In other words. France is preparing for progressive, but potentially massive evacuation, depending on the evolution of the threat and the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Moreover. this Monday, June 23, 2025, an additional commercial flight is chartered by the Royal Jordanian company at the request of the Quai d’Orsay. He will transport 150 French from Amman to Paris. Tuesday. June 24, 2025, a second flight, this time directly chartered by the Ministry of Europe and france sends a400m military aircraft Foreign Affairs, will ensure the return of a new contingent of 150 people in vulnerability.

France thus avoids giving a too martial or intrusive image in an ultra-sensitive sovereign space. The use of Cyprus as a point of withdrawal. instead of a direct flight from Tel Aviv to Paris, illustrates this game of diplomatic balance, even this tactical prudence.