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Two Mirage 2000-5F from the 1st and 2nd squadrons EC 1/2 "Cigognes", based in the AFB 102 at Dijon, France.

How to understand "1st and 2nd squadron EC 1/2 "Cigognes" in French Air Force ? :

"EC" means "Fighter Squadron".

"1" in "1/2" means the "under squadron" number.

"2" in "1/2" means the mean squadron number : There is no equivalent to translate the nuance between "Escadron", "Escadre", and "Escadrille" in english. This second number could means the regiment, "Escadre", "Escadrille", or a specific unit. Here this is the 2nd "Escadron" (or "mean squadron"). But it would be a regiment...

And these two numbers combined lost their meaning. They are not really significant, and often based on the squadron's history.

We often add a name of city, region, or animal to the squadron. Here "Cigognes" (storks in english).

At last, You can note there is two different heraldic shields on their tails (two different storks). These helradic refer to the "Escadrille" (under classification of the "under squadron") and often refers to a shibboleth or a hero from the Air Force :

The Mirage at left come from the 1st "escadrille" from the EC 1/2 squadron, named "SP3 Cigogne de Guynemer". Georges Guynemer was a WWI ace based at the AFB 102, with 53 victories.

The Mirage at right come from the 2nd "escadrille" from the EC 1/2 squadron, named "SP103 Cigogne de Fonck". René Fonck was the most famous WWI French aces, with 75 victories. The highest scoring allied Ace during the WWI.

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