The Morane-Saulnier MS.406 was a French fighter aircraft that played a significant role during the early stages of World War II. Developed by the French manufacturer Morane-Saulnier, the MS.406 was one of the mainstay fighters of the Armée de l’Air, the French Air Force, during the Battle of France in 1940.

The MS.406 was a low-wing monoplane with a distinctive sleek design and a closed cockpit. It was powered by a Hispano-Suiza 12Y liquid-cooled V12 engine, which provided the aircraft with a top speed of around 486 km/h (302 mph) and a range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (620 miles). Its armament typically consisted of one 20mm Hispano-Suiza HS.404 cannon firing through the propeller hub and two 7.5mm MAC 1934 machine guns mounted in the engine cowling.

One of the notable features of the MS.406 was its maneuverability and agility, which made it a formidable opponent in air-to-air combat. Pilots appreciated its responsive handling and ability to outmaneuver enemy aircraft, particularly during dogfights. However, the MS.406 was relatively lightly armed and armored compared to contemporary fighters, which made it vulnerable to enemy fire.

During the Battle of France in 1940, the MS.406 faced the German Luftwaffe and fought valiantly against overwhelming odds. Despite its limitations, French pilots achieved notable successes in combat, demonstrating the capabilities of the aircraft and the skill of its pilots.

Following the fall of France, many MS.406s were captured or destroyed by the Germans, who later used some of them for training purposes or sold them to Axis allies. Despite its relatively short service life, the Morane-Saulnier MS.406 remains a symbol of French aviation during the early years of World War II and the courage of its pilots in the face of adversity.