Laon-Couvron Air Base

Military Restructuring and Conversion

The site has been completely demilitarized and converted into a civilian industrial and technological park named 'Pôle d'activités du Griffon'. The vast expanse of the former air base, including its long runway and taxiways, has been repurposed. A significant portion of the site is now an advanced automotive test center, operated by companies like UTAC. The circuit, known as 'Circuit de Laon-Couvron' or 'Pistes d'essais de Folembray-Couvron', is used for vehicle development, driver training, and motorsports events. Other areas of the former base are occupied by various businesses, logistics companies, and light industry. Some of the original military buildings and hangars have been repurposed for these new uses.

Laon-Couvron Air Base has a rich and multi-layered history, reflecting major European conflicts of the 20th century.

**World War II:** Initially constructed by the French Air Force in 1938-1939, it was seized by the invading German forces in May 1940. The Luftwaffe developed it into a major bomber airfield (Fliegerhorst Laon-Couvron), stationing units like Kampfgeschwader 77 (KG 77) with Junkers Ju 88 bombers for attacks against England. After its liberation by Allied forces in August 1944, the US Army's IX Engineer Command repaired the heavily damaged airfield, designating it Advanced Landing Ground 'A-70'. It was used by the Ninth Air Force's 365th Fighter Group flying P-47 Thunderbolts in support of the ground offensive into Germany until May 1945.

**Cold War (USAFE):** In the early 1950s, amidst Cold War tensions, the base was selected for expansion into a modern NATO facility. It was transferred to the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) in 1952. It became a critical tactical reconnaissance hub, most notably housing the 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (66th TRW) from 1955. The 66th TRW operated a variety of intelligence-gathering aircraft, including the Republic RF-84F Thunderflash and later the McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo. Its mission was vital for monitoring Warsaw Pact military activities. This era ended abruptly in 1966 when French President Charles de Gaulle withdrew France from NATO's integrated military command, forcing all US forces to depart. The 66th TRW was relocated to the UK, and the base was returned to French control in 1967.

**French Air Force (Armée de l'Air):** The French Air Force took control of the facility, designating it Base Aérienne 279 (BA 279). It initially hosted transport units flying the Nord Noratlas. Its most significant French role began in the mid-1970s when it became a frontline fighter base, home to the 30e Escadre de Chasse (30th Fighter Wing). The base operated several squadrons of Dassault Mirage F1C interceptors and, later, Mirage F1CT ground-attack aircraft. After the end of the Cold War, the French military underwent significant restructuring, and the last fighter squadron was disbanded in 1994. The base remained open in a reduced capacity, hosting a command and control training center (CFAC) until its final closure was announced as part of the 2008 French military reforms.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Laon-Couvron as an airport. The extensive and permanent conversion of its infrastructure into an automotive testing facility and industrial park makes a return to aviation activities highly improbable. The focus of local and regional authorities is on the continued economic development of the 'Pôle d'activités du Griffon' in its current form.