SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
The French military has dispatched a massive contingent of aircraft to the Indo-Pacific under the mission named ‘Pégase 2023’ to increase its regional presence and influence.
The contingent participating in the mission will comprise 19 warplanes, consisting of 10 Dassault Rafale B and C multirole fighters, five A330 MRTT refueling aircraft, and four Airbus A400M transport planes.
The 380th Air Expeditionary Wing at Al Dhafra Air Base, United Arab Emirates, hosted this contingent prior to their departure to the Indo-Pacific. They provided transportation, lodging and food services for those transient members of the French military.
“The French were happy that we were able to provide accommodations for their transiting personnel and logistics support for the Rafale fighters. This stop was crucial, with minimum time on the ground in Al Dhafra in order to make their rapid deployment timeline to Guam,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Terence G. Taylor, 380th Air Expeditionary Wing commander.
The objective of the latest deployment is to showcase France’s power projection capabilities and to highlight its status as a resident sovereign nation in the Indo-Pacific.
Following their departure from Al Dhafra, the French will participate in U.S.-led, large-scale exercises in the Pacific, along with partners in the region from the islands of Guam and Palau.
This concerted effort, undertaken in coordination with U.S. forces, underscores the strong partnership between the U.S. and France.
“France is America’s oldest friend and Ally. Our relationship is built upon our shared commitment to the same values – democracy, human rights, the rule of law, security, and prosperity,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, Ninth Air Force (Air Forces Central) commander and Combined Forces Air Component Commander for U.S. Central Command.
“We’re proud to support this latest bilateral effort and to have the French serving alongside us and our other Coalition partners.”
For more information, contact U.S. Air Forces Central Command Public Affairs at 011-974-4458-9555 and connect to 436-4102/1412 or email at afcent.pa@afcent.af.mil.
