Two major air exercises are set to converge over India as France brings its ‘Mission Pégase 2026’ into the Indian Air Force's multinational air combat exercise Tarang Shakti at Jodhpur.
The French Air and Space Force is currently undertaking the seventh edition of Mission Pégase, a long-range air projection exercise which is underway from September 8 to October 15. As part of the mission, French aircraft have arrived in India to participate in Tarang Shakti.
Tarang Shakti is being hosted by the IAF at Jodhpur Air Force Station. Seven foreign nations — the US, France, Germany, Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the UAE — are participating in the second edition of the exercise which will begin on September 26.
France's deployment arrived in Jodhpur on Friday and will participate in Tarang Shakti. The French participation in the exercise seeks to improve military cooperation and interoperability between the French and Indian air forces.
Deputy Commander of the French Air Defence and Air Operations Command Julien Sabéné underlined the importance France attaches to participating in the Indian exercise.
"This exercise is quite important for us. That is why we went across the world just to make it here on time. Bringing four jets from the other side of the world with the Pégase 26 mission," he said.
"India is a global strategic partner of France, very important, and we want to show how committed we are to working side by side with our partner," Sabéné added.
He said a total of seven Rafales would be available to operate alongside the Indian Air Force.
Mission Pégase is intended to demonstrate the French Air and Space Force's ability to rapidly project long-range air power across the world and defend France's overseas territories or strategic interests.
The 2026 mission involves around 300 personnel, four Rafale F4 fighters, three A330 MRTT Phénix aircraft and two A400M Atlas aircraft.
Beginning in the Arctic, the deployment is covering around 40,000 km and making nine stopovers. Its route extends through the Near and Middle East, the Pacific, East Asia and the Indian Ocean.
The French embassy said Pégase 2026 demonstrates France's ability to maintain a decisive military presence across a "vast strategic arc".
Tarang Shakti, meanwhile, brings together air forces from seven foreign countries for a high-intensity multinational air combat exercise.
The US F-35 multi-role stealth fighter is participating in the exercise for the first time. India is showcasing aircraft including the Rafale, Mirage-2000, Jaguar, LCA Tejas, MiG-29 and Su-30MKI.
The exercise seeks to demonstrate India's defence capabilities while providing participating countries an opportunity to improve interoperability.
French Ambassador to India Thierry Mathou described India as a core strategic defence partner of France and pointed to regular bilateral exercises such as Varuna, Garuda and Shakti, besides multinational engagements such as Tarang Shakti, as avenues for improving operational coordination and military interoperability.
France had also participated in Tarang Shakti in 2024.
Lt Gen Dominique Tardif, Vice Chief of the French Air and Space Force, and Mission Pégase head Maj Gen Julien Sabene are also scheduled to visit India for discussions with the Indian armed forces.
Referring to Rafale operations, Sabéné said the two sides planned to exchange best practices and that France looked forward to Indian aircraft operating alongside the French-built Rafale.
