France deploys Rafales to Sweden, Poland and Croatia
April 25, 2025
Several of the six Rafale Bs were drawn from the 4e Escadre de Chasse (4th Fighter Wing) based at BA113 Saint-Dizier as part of the Strategic Air Forces, the airborne component of France’s nuclear deterrent. The remainder came from 30e Escadre de Chasse at BA118 Mont-de-Marsan, home of the Centre d’Expertise Aérien Militaire (Air Warfare Centre).
The Rafales were supported by two A400M transports from BA123 Orléans/Bricy, and a single A330 Phénix Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT), from BA125 at Istres/Le Tubé. An RAF Voyager also provided additional AAR support en route.
The French Air and Space Force described the latest iteration of Pégase as a strategic exercise (seemingly emphasising the nuclear role), and said that it had been designed “to assert our presence, strengthen our partnerships, and demonstrate our commitment to European security, alongside our allies.”
The aircraft deployed will practise their deterrent and defensive roles during Pégase, including joint flight training and air refuelling exercises with allied air forces. The initial Pégase Grand Nord phase in Sweden and Poland was described as “an unprecedented edition of our annual power-projection mission, demonstrating the Air and Space Force’s ability to deploy rapidly, far, and autonomously.”
Following their deployment to Luleå the Rafales, A-400M transports and A-330 MRT tanker will be based at the 31st Tactical Air Base (Poznañ/Krzesiny) and the 33rd Tactical Air Base (Powidz) in Poland.
