France is preparing to deploy military aircraft on a mission lasting nearly 40 days, traveling from the Arctic region to the Indo-Pacific to test long-range operations and cooperation with allied nations.
On Monday, 7 September 2026, foreign news agencies reported that Alice Roufau, France's Deputy Minister of Defense and Veterans Affairs, addressed personnel at the Istres Air Base in southern France, announcing that the French Air and Space Force is launching the "Pegase 26" mission from 8 September to 15 October 2026. Approximately 300 personnel will participate, including four Rafale fighter jets, three MRTT Phoenix aerial refueling aircraft, and two A400M Atlas transport planes.
Reports state that the mission will cross four oceans, make nine stopovers, and involve both multilateral and bilateral military exercises with allied and partner countries. One major early challenge will be the roughly 11-hour flight from France to the U.S. state of Alaska, requiring multiple aerial refuelings. The mission route will pass over Greenland, allowing French crews to operate in Arctic conditions and test northern flight paths en route to the Indo-Pacific region.
Source: AP