French Rafale fleet embarks on 40-day global sortie to showcase alliance reach

Four Rafale aircraft departed Istres air base on a 40-day, 40,000-kilometre mission called Pegase 26, aiming to demonstrate French power projection and alliance cohesion. The flight will cross three continents, with nine scheduled stopovers, and will be backed by three aerial refuelers, two transport planes and roughly 300 personnel coordinated from a headquarters near Lyon. Deputy defence minister Alice Rufo stressed that joint flying, landing and working are essential for rapid response to threats.

General Julien Sabènè noted that this is the first time the route will pass over Greenland and Alaska, providing a northern alternative to Indo-Pacific routes as the Arctic becomes more accessible. The itinerary includes stops in Qatar and concludes in Egypt, showcasing support for freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf. While the jets carry only mock weapons, pilots from France’s Strategic Air Force participate, reinforcing the message that France can swiftly move combat aircraft to distant theatres alongside its partners.