Luxeuil Air Base, airport in France
Luxeuil Air Base is a military airfield located in Luxeuil-les-Bains in eastern France, situated on elevated terrain about 278 meters (912 feet) above sea level. The facility features two asphalt runways and large triangular hangars dating from the 1950s that have housed various fighter aircraft over the decades.
The airfield was established in 1916 during World War One as a training facility for French pilots and an operational base. During the Cold War, the base played a key role in France's air defense system and hosted nuclear capabilities until 2011, when it transitioned to a quick reaction alert station.
The air base carries the designation Base Aérienne 116 and holds deep roots in French military history. It represents France's commitment to defense and security through advanced aviation technology and strategic readiness in eastern France.
The base is situated in a remote area of eastern France near borders with Germany, Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Belgium, on flat terrain with good accessibility for operations. The facility is closed to public visitors for security reasons, but the surrounding landscape of open fields and small woods can be viewed from outside the perimeter.
The base is undergoing major modernization and will become France's first air base to host nuclear-capable Rafale F5 fighter jets starting in 2032. During a planned closure between 2029 and 2032, old hangars will be replaced with new buildings and the runway extended to support these advanced aircraft.
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