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France’s Pegase 26 long-range air deployment is set to reach India in three days, as Paris seeks to demonstrate its air power projection and deepen defence cooperation with strategic partners across the Indo-Pacific.
The French Embassy in India said the mission showcases France’s “air power projection and commitment to strengthening cooperation with strategic partners.”
The deployment involves French Rafale fighter jets, A330 MRTT tanker aircraft and A400M transport aircraft, supported by around 300
personnel. It covers more than 40,000 km and includes strategic stops in Japan, South Korea, Indonesia and India.
#PÉGASE in India: D-3! ????????????????
From France to India and across the Indo-Pacific, PÉGASE 26 showcases France’s air power projection and commitment to strengthening cooperation with strategic partners.
PÉGASE 26 की एक झलक ✈️@Armee_de_lair @IAF_MCC pic.twitter.com/fd6nowkl4T
— French Embassy in India ???????????????? (@FranceinIndia) September 22, 2026
According to France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Pegase 26 will “foster international aerospace cooperation” with its four Indo-Pacific partners while reaffirming France’s commitment to freedom of access to shared spaces and collective security.
In India, the French contingent will participate in Tarang Shakti, the multinational air exercise led by India. The exercise is aimed at enhancing military cooperation and interoperability between the French and Indian air forces.
The Indo-Pacific phase will span 26 days, including a significant stopover at Air Base 181 in Réunion, before the deployment moves to the Near and Middle East.
French aircraft will then operate from Qatar and Egypt, where France says their presence will demonstrate its commitment to regional stability and the defence of shared interests. The mission will conclude with French participation in the bilateral AMUN exercise in Egypt, involving joint air operations in a region facing continued instability.
The deployment comes as France and India continue to expand their strategic and defence partnership, including cooperation involving the Rafale platform and regular joint military exercises.
