Bitche Army Air Base

Military reorganization and consolidation. The French Army Light Aviation (Aviation Légère de l'Armée de Terre - ALAT) detachment based at the airfield was dissolved under the 'Armées 2000' plan. Operations were consolidated at larger, more centralized bases to increase efficiency and reduce costs.

The airfield is permanently closed to all aviation traffic. Satellite imagery shows the runway and taxiways are still physically intact but are unmaintained, with markings faded or painted over to indicate closure. The site has been fully absorbed into the active Camp de Bitche military training area and is now used for ground-based military exercises, including vehicle maneuvers and potentially unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) operations.

Known as Aérodrome du camp de Bitche, the airfield was an integral part of the Camp de Bitche, a major French Army training area. It primarily served the French Army Light Aviation (ALAT). Its main role was to support ground troops during training exercises with observation, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and light transport capabilities. The airfield typically hosted helicopters like the Alouette II/III and Gazelle, as well as light fixed-wing aircraft. It was active throughout the Cold War, supporting French military readiness in the strategically important region of Lorraine.

There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the airfield. Given that its closure was a strategic military decision and the land is now fully integrated into an active and essential army training ground, any future reopening for aviation purposes is considered extremely unlikely.