NEW DELHI: The French Air and Space Force has officially joined the second edition of the multinational air combat exercise, Tarang Shakti, hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF). According to the French Embassy, this high-profile participation during their ongoing Mission Pégase is designed to significantly deepen military cooperation and operational interoperability between the two nations.

France's air force is currently executing its seventh long-range air projection deployment, Mission Pégase, running from September 8 to October 15. The mission showcases Paris's ability to project long-range air power globally while safeguarding its strategic interests and overseas territories. The embassy noted that Pegase 2026 acts as a crucial diplomatic and political tool amidst an increasingly volatile geopolitical climate.

The Tarang Shakti drills are being held at the Jodhpur Air Force Station. The mega-exercise features assets from seven foreign countries—including the United States, which has deployed its advanced F-35 multi-role stealth fighter jets for the first time.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership, Thierry Mathou, the Ambassador of France to India, stated, "India is a core strategic defence partner of France. Regular participation in bilateral military exercises with India—such as Varuna at sea, Garuda in the air, and Shakti on land—as well as multinational engagements like Tarang Shakti pave the way for greater Indo-French operational coordination and military interoperability."

He further added that France's involvement highlights a shared commitment to regional stability, global security, international law, and freedom of navigation across the Indo-Pacific, where France identifies as a resident power.

As part of Mission Pégase, a formidable deployment involving a 300-strong aircrew, four Rafale F4 fighter jets, three A330 MRTT Phénix refuelers, and two A400M Atlas transport aircraft arrived in Jodhpur. Having launched from the Arctic, the mission spans a 40,000-kilometer route with nine strategic stopovers across the Near and Middle East, Pacific, East Asia, and the Indian Ocean.

Following a successful maiden appearance in the 2024 edition of Tarang Shakti, the French deployment will train alongside the IAF from September 28 to October 12. Meanwhile, the IAF is showcasing its own air supremacy by fielding indigenous and frontline assets, including Rafales, Mirage-2000s, Jaguars, Tejas, MiG-29s, and Su-30 MKIs.

To oversee the collaboration, Lt. Gen. Dominique Tardif, Vice Chief of the French Air and Space Force, alongside Maj. Gen. Julien Sabéné, head of Mission Pégase, are visiting India for high-level discussions with the Indian armed forces.