The French Air and Space Force is gearing up for a busy summer in the Indo-Pacific region, participating in two major deployments that will showcase its ability to reach out to the region rapidly and commitment to the area.
France’s primary focus is “Mission Pegasus 24,” a large-scale exercise running from Jun. 27 to Aug. 15. This mission aims to achieve three key objectives: protecting sovereign airspace, promoting international law, and fostering partnerships with countries bordering the Indo-Pacific.
Throughout the eight-week deployment, French Rafale fighter jets, A400M Atlas transport aircraft, and A330 MRTT Phénix tanker aircraft will visit a total of thirteen nations. These include Australia, Canada, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, United States, Singapore, Indonesia, New Zealand, Malaysia, India, Qatar, Egypt, and the Philippines. Stopovers are planned in strategic locations like New Caledonia, French Polynesia, and the southern Indian Ocean, allowing France to support its overseas forces while conducting joint exercises.
Significantly, France’s Mission Pegasus 24 incorporates participation in the broader “Pacific Skies 24” exercise series. This European-led initiative involves Germany and Spain, with air assets like German Tornados and Eurofighters, Spanish Eurofighters, and a mix of transport, tanker, and light helicopter support aircraft from all three nations. This broader exercise encompasses major drills like “Arctic Defender” with the U.S. in Alaska and “Pitch Black 2024” in Australia.
This summer’s strategic deployment highlights France’s multifaceted approach to the Indo-Pacific. Mission Pegasus 24 allows for independent operations, relationship building, and a significant geographical reach. By integrating with Pacific Skies 24, France contributes to a powerful display of European airpower cooperation in the region. This dual-deployment approach underscores France’s growing influence and its commitment to regional security and partnerships.
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