Cambrai-Épinoy (BA 103) Air Base

The closure of BA 103 was a direct result of a major strategic and budgetary restructuring of the French Armed Forces. The decision was announced in 2008 as part of the 'Révision générale des politiques publiques' (RGPP), a government-wide review of public policies, and was outlined in the 2008 French White Paper on Defence and National Security. The primary reasons were economic and strategic: to reduce defense spending, consolidate military assets, and create a more streamlined and modern armed forces structure. Cambrai was one of several military bases across France selected for closure to achieve these efficiency goals.

The former air base has undergone a massive transformation and is now the site of 'E-Valley', one of Europe's largest logistics and e-commerce parks. The redevelopment project, which began after the military's departure, leveraged the base's vast size (over 500 hectares) and existing infrastructure. The main runway, taxiways, and hardened aircraft shelters have been repurposed. The shelters, for example, are used as secure storage facilities. The site is now a major economic hub for the Hauts-de-France region, hosting warehouses and distribution centers for numerous national and international companies, with a focus on serving the burgeoning e-commerce market. The project's goal was to replace the military presence with a new economic engine and create thousands of civilian jobs.

Cambrai-Épinoy Air Base has a rich and significant military history spanning nearly a century.

- **World War I:** The airfield was originally established by the German Imperial Army in 1916 during their occupation of the region. It served as a base for their fighter aircraft units (Jagdstaffeln).

- **World War II:** Following the Fall of France in 1940, the airfield was taken over and significantly expanded by the German Luftwaffe. It was a major base for bomber (Kampfgeschwader) and fighter (Jagdgeschwader) units throughout the war. After the Allied invasion of Normandy and the liberation of the area in September 1944, the airfield was seized by Allied forces. It was repaired by the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) IX Engineer Command and designated as Advanced Landing Ground 'A-75'. It served as a tactical airfield for American fighter and transport groups supporting the push into Germany.

- **Cold War and French Air Force (Armée de l'Air):** In the early 1950s, the site was completely rebuilt to modern NATO standards and became a key frontline base for the French Air Force, officially designated Base Aérienne 103 'Commandant René Mouchotte' in 1953. It was famously home to the 12th Fighter Wing (12e Escadre de Chasse). Its most notable resident squadron was Escadron de Chasse 1/12 'Cambrésis', a founding member of the NATO Tiger Association. The base became world-renowned for hosting numerous 'NATO Tiger Meets' and for the spectacular tiger-themed paint schemes applied to its aircraft. Over the decades, BA 103 operated a succession of iconic French fighter jets, including the Dassault Ouragan, Mystère IV, Super-Mystère B2, Mirage IIIC, Mirage F1C, and finally, the Mirage 2000C.

There are no plans or prospects for reopening Cambrai-Épinoy as an airport. The site has been completely and irreversibly converted into the E-Valley logistics park. The construction of massive warehouses on former aprons and taxiways, and the comprehensive repurposing of the entire infrastructure for industrial and commercial use, make a return to aviation operations physically and economically unfeasible. The site's future is firmly established as a logistics hub, not an airfield.