France has reaffirmed its role as a Pacific power after the French armed forces completed a demonstration of long-distance air power projection.
The force projection, code-named Mission Pégase 22, saw a contingent of the French Air Force travel from Paris to New Caledonia in just 72 hours over 16,600 kilometres (10,315 miles) demonstrating the France’s ability to engage in possible conflict in the Pacific.
The contingent comprised three Rafale jets and support aircraft.
“The fact that we are trying to do such air power projection in the Pacific is a concrete illustration” of the French’s resolve to ensure the sovereignty of their territory is protected, said Maj. Gen. Stephane Groen, chief of staff of the French Air and Space Force’s Air Operations Command and commander of the drills, reported the Nikkei Asia….