The French Air Force conducted exercises with its 30th Fighter Wing (30e Escadre de Chasse), involving 20 Rafale fighter jets, simulating a war scenario against an adversary capable of long-range strikes on airfields. Although this was not officially stated, the only possible threat to France, as well as the reason for conducting such exercises, is russia.
The maneuvers were called Topaze. On day one, January 27, French pilots rapidly redeployed fighter jets to other air bases. Pilots simulated escaping an enemy attack on Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in southwestern France.
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Four groups of fighter jets flew to air bases in Cognac,Cazaux, Bordeaux, and the civilian airport in Clermont-Ferrand.
During these exercises, the focus was on maximizing decision-making speed. It was called "racing against time."
The exercise's aircraft redeployment focused on removing jets from danger while maintaining their operational capability at secondary bases. This also involved relocating all necessary equipment and personnel.
As a result, all 20 Rafale aircraft and 140 military personnel were dispersed to new locations.
This was followed by servicing and preparing the aircraft for a new mission: striking a simulated enemy with SCALP cruise missiles.
The next day, the plan was put into action, targeting a simulated enemy with SCALP cruise missiles.
Technical preparation of the aircraft for this task lasted all night. The process included both servicing the Rafale jets and programming the SCALP missiles for their missions.
At the same time, it should be noted that some fighters were configured with both missiles and drop tanks. In particular, some Rafale jets were equipped with three drop tanks while carrying two cruise missiles.
This configuration gives the aircraft a combat radius of roughly 1,500 km without refueling, enough for a round trip to the Belarusian border.
Photos of the Rafale's full combat equipment were also published, showing not only fuel tanks and SCALP missiles, but also MICA and Meteor air-to-air missiles.
At the same time, there are no photos of these cruise missiles being launched. It is unlikely that the French Air Force would actually fire such expensive missiles during exercises, relying instead, it seems, on "electronic launches" only.
"Collective strength, squadron spirit, to act quickly, everywhere. With agility, efficiency, and resilience," the French Air Force summarized.
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