Where Was The Dewoitine D 520 Primarily Used In Combat?

I’ve always been fascinated by World War II aircraft, and the Dewoitine D 520 holds a special place in my heart. This French fighter saw most of its action during the Battle of France in 1940, where it was one of the few aircraft that could hold its own against the German Messerschmitt Bf 109. It was primarily used by the French Air Force, defending airfields and cities from Luftwaffe attacks. After France’s surrender, some D 520s were seized by the Axis powers and used by Italy and even the Vichy French forces in conflicts like the Syria-Lebanon campaign. Its sleek design and decent firepower made it a standout for its time, though it arrived too late to change the course of the war.

The Dewoitine D 520 is a gem of aviation history, and its combat use is a story of both valor and missed opportunities. During the Battle of France in 1940, it was the backbone of the French fighter squadrons, engaging German bombers and fighters with surprising effectiveness. Pilots praised its maneuverability and firepower, though its limited numbers meant it couldn’t turn the tide. After the fall of France, the Germans captured many D 520s and handed some to their allies, like Italy, who used them in secondary roles.

Later, the Vichy French regime deployed the D 520 in North Africa and the Middle East, clashing with British and Free French forces. One notable engagement was during the Syria-Lebanon campaign in 1941, where Vichy pilots flew D 520s against Allied aircraft. Surprisingly, some of these planes even ended up in Bulgarian service, though they saw little combat there. The D 520’s legacy is a mix of what could have been—had France produced more sooner, it might have made a bigger impact.

Post-war, a handful survived as trainers or museum pieces, but its heyday was undeniably during those desperate months of 1940. It’s a plane that deserves more recognition for its role in early WWII air combat.

As someone who digs deep into military history, the Dewoitine D 520’s combat record is pretty intriguing. This French fighter first saw serious action in 1940, scrambling to defend against the German blitzkrieg. It was fast and well-armed, earning respect from pilots who flew it. Most of its battles were over French soil, but after the armistice, things got complicated. The Vichy French used it in colonial conflicts, like the skirmishes in Syria, where it faced British Hurricanes.

What’s wild is how the D 520 became a sort of hand-me-down fighter. The Italians got some and used them for training, while the Germans mostly kept them grounded. Even Bulgaria ended up with a few, though they didn’t do much. The plane’s story is a snapshot of the chaos of WWII—a decent design caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you ever visit an aviation museum in Europe, keep an eye out for one; they’re rare but worth the hunt.