French military jets launch 40-day global flight to project power and strengthen alliances

The French Air and Space Force has initiated the Pegase 26 exercise, covering a 40,000-kilometer route, to strengthen strategic partnerships and test the capability to defend distant regions.

Details and Route of the Flight

Taking off from the Istres air base in southern France, the military jets will cross three continents, covering a total of 40,000 kilometers and engaging with international partners at nine different stopovers.

Northern Route and Alaska Expedition

For the first time within the scope of the mission, a northern route was chosen, flying over Greenland to Alaska, during which five in-flight refuelings were performed.

This initial stage from Istres to Alaska took approximately 11 hours, and a support aircraft capable of landing on ice also participated in the mission.

Support Personnel and Planning

Organized as a result of about a year of preparation, the operation is being carried out with three refueling aircraft, two transport aircraft, and around 300 personnel coordinated from a center near Lyon.

Strategic Partners and Objectives

While the aim is to increase cooperation with strategic allies such as Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, and India, the Persian Gulf and Egypt will be visited in the subsequent phases of the exercise.