Stories
France's Pegase 26 Rafale Mission Showcases Indo-Pacific Commitment, Strengthens Partnerships
- •The French Embassy in India highlighted the Pegase 26 air mission, demonstrating France's long-range air power and commitment to strengthening cooperation with strategic partners, including India, across the Indo-Pacific.
- •Four French Rafale fighter jets, three A330 MRTT refuelling aircraft, two A400M transport aircraft, and 300 personnel are undertaking a 40-day, 40,000-kilometer deployment from September 8 to October 15.
- •The mission's route links the Arctic, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East, covering Greenland, Canada, Alaska, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Qatar, La Réunion, and Egypt.
- •India is a key stop, with French aircraft participating in Exercise Tarang Shakti to enhance interoperability between French and Indian air forces, building on the "Special Global Strategic Partnership."
- •French officials emphasize Pegase 26 as an exercise in cooperation and interoperability, demonstrating France's ability to deploy air power globally and operate with partners in diverse environments.
Key Questions Answered
The Pegase 26 mission runs from September 8 to October 15, 2026, covering roughly 40,000 kilometres across three continents. Its route links the Arctic, Indo-Pacific, and Middle East, beginning with Greenland, Canada, and Alaska, and continuing through Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Qatar, La Réunion, and Egypt.
The deployment involves four Rafale fighter jets, three A330 MRTT aerial refuelling aircraft, two A400M transport aircraft, and approximately 300 personnel.
India is a key stop on the Indo-Pacific leg where French aircraft are scheduled to participate in Exercise Tarang Shakti. This participation provides an opportunity for the French and Indian air forces to further develop operational interoperability and strengthen strategic defense cooperation.
