French Rafales deploy to Japan for PEGASE 2026 mission
Four Rafale F4s, supported by three A330 MRTT tankers and two A400M transports, stopped at Hyakuri Air Base during France's long-range airpower projection mission, training with Japanese F-2s.
Four French Rafale F4s arrived at Hyakuri Air Base in Japan during the seventh edition of PEGASE, France's long-range airpower projection mission. The aircraft were supported by three A330 MRTT Phénix tankers and two A400M Atlas transports.
The Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace deployment began on Sept. 8, 2026, and is scheduled to run until Oct. 15, covering more than 40,000 kilometers over roughly 40 days. About 300 personnel are taking part. The French contingent includes one single-seat Rafale C and three twin-seat Rafale Bs.
The aircraft spent seven days in Japan, arriving on Sept. 14 and departing on Sept. 20. Four days, from Sept. 15 to 18, were set aside for training, during which the Rafales flew with and against F-2s of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's 3rd Tactical Fighter Squadron.
The MRTTs and A400Ms also took part in training sorties, including a photo mission flown around Mount Fuji on Sept. 18. Two Rafale Bs and one MRTT deployed to the Republic of Korea Air Force's Cheongju Air Base from Sept. 15 to Sept. 17, and conducted a flypast in formation with their tanker on returning to Hyakuri.
Sources
- theaviationist.comFrench Rafales Return to Japan for PEGASE 2026