French military conducts strategic exercises in the Indian Ocean

The French military is conducting strategic exercises in the Indian Ocean to assert its presence amid growing regional rivalries. As part of the Pegase 26 mission, French forces are utilizing Réunion and Mayotte as critical strategic hubs for power projection in the southern zone.

During recent operations, approximately 30 paratroopers deployed from an A400M transport aircraft to conduct sea jumps off the coast of Mayotte. The mission involves a diverse fleet, including Rafale fighter jets and A330 MRTT Phénix aircraft, aimed at training for rapid deployment and maritime rescue capabilities.

The broader Pegase 26 mission, which mobilized nearly 300 aviators and nine aircraft from the Istres Air Base, has traveled through several locations including Japan, South Korea, Madagascar, Indonesia, and India.