Colmar-Meyenheim Air Base

Military Restructuring. The closure was part of a wide-ranging reform of the French Armed Forces initiated in 2008 under the 'White Paper on Defence and National Security'. This strategic plan aimed to modernize the military, improve efficiency, and adapt to new geopolitical realities. It involved the closure and consolidation of numerous military bases across France, including Colmar-Meyenheim Air Base (known as Base aérienne 132), to reallocate resources and personnel.

The site is no longer an airport. Immediately following its closure as an air base in 2010, the facility was transferred to the French Army (Armée de Terre). It was renamed 'Quartier Colonel de Chabrières' and is now a major army barracks.

It currently serves as the garrison for the Régiment de Marche du Tchad (RMT), a historic and highly decorated mechanized infantry regiment belonging to the 2nd Armored Brigade (2e Brigade Blindée). The former runways, taxiways, and aircraft shelters (hardened aircraft shelters - HAS) have been repurposed for military vehicle training, drills, and storage for the army regiment. The site is an active and important ground forces military installation.

Colmar-Meyenheim Air Base, officially Base aérienne 132 Colmar-Meyenheim (former ICAO: LFSC), was a key frontline fighter base for the French Air Force (Armée de l'Air) for over 50 years.

- **NATO Origins**: Construction began in 1951 as a NATO Dispersed Operating Base, designed to support Allied air forces in the event of a conflict during the Cold War.

- **French Air Force Operations**: It was transferred to the French Air Force in 1957. In 1962, it was named 'Commandant René Mouchotte' in honor of a famed Free French WWII fighter pilot.

- **Key Units and Aircraft**: The base was home to several prestigious fighter wings and squadrons throughout its history:
- **13th Fighter Wing (13e Escadre de Chasse)**: Stationed from 1957 to 1993, flying aircraft such as the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak, Dassault Mirage IIIE, and Mirage 5F.
- **30th Fighter Wing (30e Escadre de Chasse)**: Relocated to Colmar in 1994, later re-designated into individual squadrons. It operated the Dassault Mirage F1CT (tactical ground-attack) and F1B (two-seat trainer).
- **Reconnaissance Squadron 1/33 'Belfort'**: Flew the Mirage F1CR (reconnaissance version) from the base.
- **Fighter Squadron 2/30 'Normandie-Niemen'**: One of the most famous units in the French Air Force, with a distinguished WWII history on the Eastern Front, was based here flying the Mirage F1CT until the base's closure.

- **Operational Deployments**: Squadrons from Colmar-Meyenheim participated in numerous major French military operations, including deployments to Chad (Operation Epervier), the Persian Gulf (Operation Daguet), Bosnia (Operation Crécerelle), and Kosovo.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the site as an airport, either for military or civilian use. The strategic decision to close the air base was part of a long-term military reorganization, and the site has been fully and successfully converted into a permanent army garrison for a key regiment. Reverting this decision is highly improbable. Civilian aviation needs for the region are served by the nearby Colmar–Houssen Airport (IATA: CMR, ICAO: LFGA).