It was projected to consist of three distinct branches based on aircraft missions-reconnaissance, bombing, or countering other aircraft. In March 1912, the French parliament enacted legislation to establish the air arm. On 22 October 1910, General Pierre Roques was appointed Inspector General of what was becoming referred to as the Cinquieme Arme, or Fifth Service. The following year, another Wright biplane, a Bleriot, and two Farmans were added to the lone acquisition. The founding of the Service Aéronautique began in 1909, when the French War Minister approved the purchase of a Wright Biplane. Main articles: History of the Armée de l'Air (1909–1942) and History of the Armée de l'Air (colonial presence 1939–1962) In the beginning Establishment of the Service Aéronautique The Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (CEMAAE) is a direct subordinate of the Chief of the Defence Staff (CEMA), a high-ranking military officer who in turn answers to the civilian Minister of the Armed Forces. As of 2021, the French Air and Space Force employs a total of 40,500 regular personnel, with a reserve element of 5,187 in 2014. According to 2018 data, this figure includes 210 combat aircraft: 115 Dassault Mirage 2000 and 95 Dassault Rafale. The number of aircraft in service with the French Air and Space Force varies depending on the source the Ministry of Armed Forces gives a figure of 658 aircraft in 2014. On 10 September 2020, it assumed its current name, the French Air and Space Force, to reflect an "evolution of its mission" into the area of outer space. It was the first military aviation force in history, formed in 1909 as the Service Aéronautique, a service arm of the French Army it became an independent military branch in 1934 as the French Air Force. 'Army of Air and Space') is the air and space force of the French Armed Forces.
The French Air and Space Force ( AAE) ( French: Armée de l'air et de l'espace, lit.