France deploys Mission Pégase to Réunion for regional security demonstration

The French Air and Space Force has arrived in Réunion as part of the seventh edition of Mission Pégase. The operation involves approximately 300 personnel and nine aircraft, including Rafale jets, A330 MRTT Phénix tankers, and A400M Atlas transport planes. The mission aims to demonstrate the military's ability to rapidly deploy air forces over long distances, covering up to 40,000 km over 40 days with autonomous logistics.

French Minister of the Armed Forces Catherine Vautrin is scheduled to visit Réunion on October 5 to participate in demonstrations and meet with regional military leaders. These meetings include Madagascar's Minister of the Armed Forces, General Ely Razafitombo Maminirina, and chiefs of staff from Mauritius, Seychelles, and the Comoros.

The mission emphasizes regional security cooperation and crisis management within the Indian Ocean Commission. A primary focus is enhancing the capacity to respond to natural disasters, such as cyclones, by ensuring the rapid transport of personnel, equipment, and humanitarian aid across the region.