French Air Force launches surprise dispersal drill and Sweden deployment

The French Air and Space Force simultaneously conducted two high-profile exercises demonstrating its operational versatility and strategic reach. While one operation tested the force’s ability to disperse combat aircraft rapidly across the French mainland without prior notice, the other projected French air power into northern Europe in cooperation with NATO allies. 

Operation JADE tests rapid dispersal capabilities across France 

On April 22, 2025, the French Air and Space Force launched a surprise operation named JADE (JAillissement D’Escadre) involving the immediate dispersal of Mirage 2000D and 2000B aircraft from Air Base 133 in Nancy-Ochey to five other air bases across mainland France. 

Without prior notice, the 3rd Fighter Wing was ordered to leave its home base and redeploy aircraft to Salon-de-Provence, Luxeuil, Avord, Rochefort, and Orléans. The drill aimed to test the reactivity, mobility, and resilience of the units in the face of a sudden threat or the unavailability of their primary base. 

This unprecedented maneuver was orchestrated by the French Air Force’s Fighter Aviation Brigade and involved not only the relocation of aircraft but also the deployment of essential technical support teams. The operation presented a significant logistical challenge, particularly for host bases not normally equipped to support Mirage 2000 operations. 

PÉGASE Grand Nord: France projects air power to Sweden 

Simultaneously, on the same day, the French Air and Space Force launched another major exercise: PÉGASE Grand Nord. For the past two years, the PÉGASE deployment has focused primarily on the Pacific region, where France maintains a significant Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This shift toward northern Europe marks a notable reorientation in diplomatic and strategic priorities, likely reflecting France’s focus on reinforcing regional alliances and collective defense within Europe. 

Departing from air bases in Mont-de-Marsan, Istres, Saint-Dizier, and Orléans, the French contingent includes six Rafale fighter jets, two A400M transport aircraft, and one A330 MRTT (Multi Role Tanker Transport).  

According to the French Air and Space Force, the goal is to “dissuade, protect, and act together” with allies by showcasing operational readiness and collective defense capabilities in the northern European region. 

These two missions appear to reflect efforts to test the French Air and Space Force’s ability to implement Agile Combat Employment (ACE). Known locally as the “MORANE” operational concept, this approach emphasizes the ability to rapidly deploy and sustain operations from dispersed locations with limited logistical infrastructure. By relocating high-value air assets across multiple sites, the strategy aims to enhance survivability and complicate enemy targeting efforts in the event of a threat.