The French defence ministry has selected the aeronautical maintenance service (SMA) run by the DGA, France's military procurement agency, to maintain the Dassault Rafale fighter. Maintenance management will be through SIMMAD (Flight International, 19-25 February). Rafales will be maintained at the SMA's Clermont Ferrand site, specialising in combat and transport aircraft. The Snecma M88 engines will be maintained at SMA's Bordeaux site, specialising in engine repair. A third SMA site at Cuers Pierrefeu specialises in maritime patrol aircraft and helicopter maintenance.
Source: Flight International
