France and Chad are taking fresh steps to rebuild their military relationship, with French fighter jets expected to make a temporary stop in Chad for technical activities and training, nearly two years after the African country ended its longstanding defence agreement with Paris.
The planned visit, announced by French military officials on Thursday, October 29, signals a further improvement in relations between the two countries following a major diplomatic fallout that led to the withdrawal of French troops from Chad in early 2025.
The aircraft expected to stop in Chad include two French Mirage 2000 fighter jets and a CASA military transport aircraft. French officials said the brief stopover would provide an opportunity to conduct technical operations and training activities with the Chadian military.
French military spokesman Colonel Xavier Rival said the visit was part of renewed cooperation between the two countries, stressing that the engagement would respect Chad’s sovereignty.
He explained that the activities would also help strengthen the operational capabilities of the Chadian Air Force.
The temporary stopover is linked to the GEX military exercise scheduled to take place in Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon from November 8 to 30.
French officials said discussions had taken place with the Chadian authorities to ensure that the visit could proceed with the full approval of the host country.
From diplomatic fallout to renewed cooperation
Relations between France and Chad deteriorated sharply in November 2024 when the government in N’Djamena announced the termination of its defence agreement with Paris.
The decision ended a security arrangement that had existed for decades and paved the way for the withdrawal of approximately 1,000 French troops stationed in the country.
The final French forces departed in January 2025, marking a significant setback for France’s military presence in the Sahel region.
The withdrawal followed a wider shift in regional relations, with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger also ending or reducing their military partnerships with France amid growing demands for greater national sovereignty.
Chad’s decision was particularly significant because the country had served as one of France’s most important military partners in the region.
However, security concerns and changing diplomatic calculations have since encouraged both countries to reconsider their relationship.
French President Emmanuel Macron and Chadian President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno held talks in Paris in January 2026, beginning a gradual effort to restore cooperation.
The two leaders met again in October, when their defence ministers signed a declaration of intent to establish a renewed framework for military collaboration.
The agreement covers areas including military training, technical expertise, defence technology and industrial cooperation.
Security concerns driving the rapprochement
Chad faces several security challenges, including militant activity around the Lake Chad Basin and instability along its borders with Sudan, Libya and other neighbouring countries.
The conflict in Sudan has also increased pressure on Chad, which has received large numbers of people fleeing the fighting across its eastern border.
These challenges have strengthened the need for surveillance, intelligence gathering, air support and rapid medical evacuation capabilities.
Since the departure of French troops, Chad has explored security relationships with other international partners, including Russia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.
However, the renewed engagement with France suggests that both governments see potential benefits in restoring selected aspects of their former military partnership.
French assistance could help address some of the operational gaps facing the Chadian military, particularly in training and air capabilities.
For Paris, rebuilding ties with Chad offers an opportunity to maintain a security relationship in a strategically important part of Africa after a series of military withdrawals across the Sahel.
A different military partnership
Despite the rapprochement, the emerging relationship is expected to differ from the arrangement that existed before 2025.
French officials have emphasised respect for Chad’s sovereignty, while the Chadian government has sought a partnership based on clearly defined responsibilities and mutual interests.
The latest aircraft visit is therefore being presented as a limited engagement rather than a return to France’s former permanent military presence in the country.
Whether the renewed cooperation expands will depend on future discussions and the security priorities of both governments.
For now, the planned fighter jet stopover represents another indication that France and Chad are attempting to rebuild their defence relationship after a prolonged period of tension.
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