French Air Force hosts joint exercises with Polish allies
"French Rafale fighters and A-330MRT tankers have been relocated to the airbase at Krzesiny near Poznań," reports the military portal Polska Zbrojna. The aircraft arrived from France to Poland to undertake joint training exercises with Polish F-16s as part of the Pégase '25 mission.
The Pégase '25 initiative was organised by the French, according to Polska Zbrojna. The exercises involve the rapid deployment of air force components to select European countries. Brigadier General Patrice Hugret, the commander of the French contingent, explained, as quoted by the portal, that the French previously trained with airmen from Sweden, then Finland, and now Poland. Exercises with pilots from Croatia are planned for the future.
The military official also outlines the purpose of this strategy: "Firstly, we want to strengthen our partnership with the air forces of our allies," he states. Furthermore, the presence of French troops is intended to reassure the people of Poland and other countries on the eastern flank. This deployment demonstrates that France can swiftly relocate its forces to critical areas if necessary. The final objective is to demonstrate readiness and to deter any strategic threats from the East that might endanger collective security.
French equipment arrives in Poland
Polska Zbrojna reports that a total of four Rafale fighters, two A-400M transport planes, and an A330MRT tanker have arrived in Poland from France. Most of the aircraft were stationed at Krzesiny near Poznań, while some were sent to Powidz. Polish F-16s are working alongside the French aircraft.
The French Dassault Rafale fighter has long proven its effectiveness in combat operations. Designed as a 4th-generation aircraft, it is capable of serving both as an air superiority fighter and a strike aircraft. Thanks to its two Snecma M88-2 engines, the Rafale can achieve speeds of up to 1.8 Mach, equivalent to approximately 1,367 mph. Its manoeuvrability is of a very high standard.
