Aviation News – France’s Air and Space Force (AAE) will launch PEGASE 26 on September 8, 2026, deploying a compact air force over more than 40,000 kilometres from the Arctic to the Indo-Pacific and onward to the Middle East. The 40-day mission is designed to demonstrate France’s ability to rapidly project a credible air force over long distances.
The seventh edition of PEGASE, first launched in 2018, will involve around 300 personnel, four Rafale fighters, three MRTT Phénix tanker and transport aircraft, and two A400M Atlas airlifters. The deployment will begin in Greenland before continuing through Canada, Alaska, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, India, Qatar and Réunion, with Egypt serving as the final stop.
PEGASE 26 will also strengthen France’s operational readiness and strategic partnerships. The mission will be supported remotely by the Air Operations Planning and Command Centre (CAPCODA) at Lyon-Mont-Verdun Air Base, demonstrating the ability to coordinate a dispersed force while operating thousands of kilometres from France.
The combination of Rafale fighters, MRTT Phénix tankers and A400M Atlas aircraft provides the force with combat capability, aerial refuelling, strategic mobility and logistical support. This mix allows the AAE to sustain operations over long distances while maintaining flexibility and reducing dependence on local infrastructure.
The French Air and Space Force said the deployment will consolidate its operational readiness, strengthen strategic partnerships and promote respect for international law, including the principle of freedom of air navigation. The mission highlights France’s commitment to maintaining a credible and deployable airpower presence across strategically important regions.
PEGASE 26 is expected to provide valuable operational experience while reinforcing France’s network of international partners. Its Arctic-to-Indo-Pacific route will also test the AAE’s ability to operate across diverse environments and respond rapidly to strategic developments far from home.
With its combination of fighter aircraft, tankers and airlifters, PEGASE 26 underlines France’s ambition to maintain a globally deployable air force. The mission will offer another major test of long-range airpower, interoperability and France’s ability to project force across the globe.
