France Deploys The Largest Long-Range Air Force to The Indo-Pacific
The Pegasus mission is known as an annual agenda held by the French Air Force in a simulation of long-range air power deployment.
And on June 25, 2023, the French Armed Forces announced Mission Pegasus 2023 (Pégase 2023 Mission).
Like the 2022 Pegasus Mission, the 2023 Pegasus Mission continues the deployment of a French force presence in the Indo-Pacific.
However, something is different about the Pegasus 2023 Mission.
When compared to previous years, the Pegasus 2023 Mission presents the largest air power component.
The total Pegasus 2023 Mission consists of 19 aircraft, consisting of 10 Rafale fighter jets, 5 A330 MRTT multirole tankers, and 4 A400M Atlas heavy transport units.
A configuration of this size has never been deployed by France in the Pegasus Mission.
As in the 2022 Pegasus Mission, the French Air Force "only" deployed two A330 MRTTs, three Rafale fighter jets, and one A400M Atlas transport aircraft.
In the previous Pegasus Mission, the Rafale brought a training variant, the tandem seat (Rafale B).
This is understandable, considering that Rafales are commonly used to bring pilots from friendly countries to test the capabilities of these twin-engined fighters.
Meanwhile, during the 2023 Pegasus Mission, the French Air Force brought 10 Rafale fighter jets, which are a combination of single-seat variants (Rafale C) and Rafale B.
According to a press release from the French ministry of defense, Mission Pegasus 2023, led by the French Air and Space Force, will take place in three main phases from June 25 to August 3, 2023.
From June 25 to 28, Mission Pegasus 2023 will include a simultaneous force projection to Malaysia and Singapore, covering a distance of more than 11,000 km from France with a technical stopover at the Al Dhafra Forces air base in the United Arab Emirates.
After their initial stop at Al Dhafra Air Base, the Pegasus 2023 contingent split into two groups, each bound for Malaysia and Singapore.
Following engagements in Southeast Asian countries, the two groups will participate in an extensive multinational exercise led by the US military in Guam and Palau from July 2 to 21, 2023.
During this period, air assets such as the A400M and A330 MRTT will be deployed to support French troops permanently stationed in the overseas territories of New Caledonia and French Polynesia to carry out various missions.
In its final phase, from July 24 to August 3, the 2023 Pegasus Mission will make stops in South Korea, Japan, and Indonesia.
Each stopover will involve joint training sessions with partner air forces.
After completing their mission, Mission Pegasus 2023 will make their return trip, traveling through Qatar and Djibouti.
The main objective of Mission Pegasus 2023 is to demonstrate France's long-range power projection capabilities.
In this case, France highlighted its status as a sovereign country in the Indo-Pacific.
The French defense ministry underlined its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and protecting its territory in the Pacific region through a combination of locally deployed troops and regular force projection in cooperation with partner countries.
For the record, the sovereign territory of France in the Pacific consists of several overseas territories, which are referred to as "collectivités d'outre-mer" or "overseas territories" of France.
Here are some of the French territories in the Pacific:
1. French Polynesia (Polynésie française)
French Polynesia is located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and consists of about 118 islands.
This region includes such famous islands as Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea.
2. New Caledonia (Nouvelle-Calédonie)
New Caledonia is located in northeastern Australia.
It is a fully autonomous territory under French sovereignty.
The region is also known for its natural wealth, including beautiful coral reefs and high biodiversity.
3. Wallis and Futuna (Wallis-et-Futuna)
Wallis and Futuna are islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean between Fiji and Samoa.
This region consists of three main islands, namely Wallis, Futuna, and Alofi.
4. Southern French Polynesia (Terres australes et antarctiques françaises)
This region consists of several islands and atolls scattered in the southern Indian Ocean and Antarctica.
The main islands include Kerguelen, Amsterdam, Saint-Paul, Crozet, and Terre Adélie.
5. Clipperton (Île de Clipperton)
Clipperton is a remote atoll located in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.
Despite its remote location, the atoll is still a French sovereign territory in the Pacific.
The above territories are an integral part of the French Republic and are under French sovereignty.
According to the French Defense Ministry, the Pegasus Mission aims to convey a "non-escalation" attitude and an approach rooted in respect for international law and freedom of navigation.
