Vautour Bravo to Debut in Germany at Kehler Flugtage

The organisers of the Kehler Flugtage have confirmed the participation of the French Air and Space Force’s Vautour Bravo Tactical Demonstration Team at their event, setting the stage for an unprecedented spectacle in German skies. Initially, it was the Requin Mike team that was due to display, but due to unforeseen circumstances, Vautour Bravo will now take their place. This announcement still signals a groundbreaking moment for aviation enthusiasts, as it marks the first time a French Rafale will perform at a private civilian airshow in Germany, a milestone that celebrates the robust Franco-German partnership.

Scheduled for June 2025, the Kehler Flugtage will host this historic debut, bringing the dynamic capabilities of the Vautour Bravo team to a German audience for the very first time. With their Rafale C aircraft (and sometimes a mix of Rafale C and B), the team promises to deliver a performance that not only thrills but also educates, offering a rare look into the operational world of one of France’s most elite aerial units.

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French Rafale / Air2Air ahead of the Belgian Air Force Days 2018

Three years on from an unfortunate (and thankfully relatively minor) mid-air collision during the FOSA Meeting de l’air at Cognac, the French Air & Space Force ‘Vautour Bravo’ Tactical Demonstration Team is returning to the display circuit. The team hails from EC2/30 ‘Normandie Niemen’ and EC3/30 ‘Lorraine’, based at BA118 Mont de Marsan, and flies the Dassault Rafale C, sometimes incorporating the Rafale B. Their demonstration highlights various tactics involved in the aerial defence mission, including the interception of low-speed aircraft and air combat manoeuvring. The team consists of two skilled pilots: Captain Mathieu (Leader) and Captain Guillaume.

While both teams showcase the impressive capabilities of the Dassault Rafale, their performances differ significantly in focus and execution. The Vautour Bravo team typically performs with two Rafale C aircraft, single-seater variants renowned for their agility, though they occasionally use a combination of one Rafale C and one Rafale B, the two-seater variant. Their display emphasizes aerial defence tactics, featuring sequences like the interception of low-speed aircraft and dynamic air combat manoeuvring.

In contrast, the Requin Mike team, originally slated to perform, operates two Rafale B aircraft, the two-seater models. Their demonstration focuses on a blend of air-to-ground attacks and air policing operations, including simulated gunfire passes, precise ground attack manoeuvres, and swift interventions. Where Vautour Bravo highlights aerial supremacy and defensive tactics, Requin Mike showcases the Rafale’s versatility in ground support and rapid response missions.

At the heart of Vautour Bravo’s demonstration is the Dassault Rafale C, a single-seater multirole fighter jet celebrated for its versatility and cutting-edge technology. The Rafale C’s delta wing design and advanced fly-by-wire system provide exceptional manoeuvrability, making it perfect for the high-speed, precision sequences in their performance. Since entering service with the French Air Force in 2001, the Rafale has proven its worth in operations worldwide, from Afghanistan to Mali, embodying France’s commitment to advanced defence technology. At Kehler Flugtage, attendees will witness firsthand why this jet is a cornerstone of French military prowess.

The BA118 Mont de Marsan, home to the Vautour Bravo team, adds further significance to their German debut. Located in southwestern France, this base is a prestigious hub for training and deployments, hosting squadrons that undertake missions ranging from homeland defence to NATO-led operations. The crews of Mont de Marsan are seasoned experts, and their skill is evident in Vautour Bravo’s performance, which blends precision with the raw power of their aircraft. For Germany to host this team is not just a logistical achievement—it’s a testament to the base’s role in shaping modern air forces.

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French Rafales / Air2Air ahead of the Athens Flying Week 2024

In their official statement, the Kehler Flugtage organizers couldn’t contain their enthusiasm: “A historic first for German airshow history! In the spirit of Franco-German friendship, the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace) will be joining the ‘Kehler Flugtage’ with one of their premier Rafale demonstration teams—‘Vautour Bravo’! Due to the Équipe de Voltige’s commitment to the Paris Airshow, they unfortunately won’t be able to attend this year. Luckily, French officials have gone above and beyond to come up with a unique alternative: Two Dassault Rafale fighter jets will perform a spectacular tactical display on Saturday, 21.06., and Sunday, 22.06.2025. In addition, there will be a training session on Friday, 20.06.2025. This will be the very first time such a performance takes place in Germany at a civilian airshow!” Their words capture the excitement of an event that’s been years in the making, a testament to the collaboration between the two nations.

This debut is more than a one-off performance—it’s a celebration of shared values and technological excellence. The decision to feature Vautour Bravo at Kehler Flugtage came after the French Air Force’s Équipe de Voltige, a popular aerobatic team, had to withdraw due to scheduling conflicts with the Paris Airshow. Rather than leave the slot vacant, French officials offered an extraordinary alternative: a tactical display rarely seen outside France. The training session on Friday, June 20th, will offer locals a preview as the team refines their manoeuvres, while the main events on Saturday and Sunday are set to attract crowds eager to witness history in the making.

For Germany, hosting Vautour Bravo is an opportunity to experience a slice of French military culture, steeped in innovation and teamwork. The Rafale’s appearance at a civilian airshow breaks new ground, bridging the divide between professional aviators and the public. Attendees can anticipate a visceral experience—jet engines roaring, aircraft slicing through the sky, and a story of skill unfolding overhead. It’s a fitting tribute to the Franco-German bond, a partnership strengthened by decades of collaboration in defence and beyond.

French Rafale / Air2Air ahead of the Belgian Air Force Days 2018

As June 2025 nears, the Kehler Flugtage is poised to be more than just an airshow—it’s a landmark event that will resonate long after the Rafales return to Mont de Marsan. With Vautour Bravo leading the charge, Germany’s skies are about to host a display of power, precision, and partnership never seen before.

For more information, go to the official Kehler Flugtage website by clicking here.