France is participating in NATO’s enhanced Vigilance Activities providing four of its fighter aircraft and two air-to-air refueling aircraft since February 24.
Allied Air Command integrates the French Air and Space Force’s Rafale fighters – that are refueled by A-330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) aircraft – into the standing arrangements to safeguard the skies above the Allies.
The French fighter aircraft take off from their home base at Mont-de-Marsan to fly so-called Combat Air Patrol (CAP) missions along the Alliance’s eastern flank. While the fighters are on station for three hours two times every day, the A-330 MRTTs conduct refueling.