Between 19 and 23 January, a French air exercise is being conducted on Swedish soil where two Rafale fighter aircraft from fighter squadron 1/30 "Côte d’Argent" are participating. The aircraft, which are usually based at Air Base 118 in Mont-de-Marsan, have redeployed to Uppsala (central Sweden) as part of France's implementation of NATO's ACE concept (Agile Combat Employment).
According to the French Air Force, FRA-ACE aims to practice the ability to conduct short, agile, and reactive redeployments. The operation in Uppsala is supported by a French personnel contingent of about 30 people, consisting of mechanics, logisticians, and specialists in systems and communication.
In addition to practicing rapid redeployment, the French units will conduct flights to test the Rafale aircraft in its latest standard, F4.1, under real winter conditions and cold weather.
During their stay, joint air exercises with the Swedish Air Force will also be conducted.
– “A strong demonstration of our dedication to Baltic-Arctic security, our interoperability and our shared commitment to victory in the air”, summarises Sylvain Lautier, defence attaché at the French Embassy in Sweden.