Cheongju: South Korea and France staged a joint aerial exercise this week aimed at enhancing interoperability between their troops, the South Korean Air Force said Thursday. The three-day drills, which kicked off Tuesday, took place at an air base in Cheongju, about 110 kilometers south of Seoul.
According to Yonhap News Agency, this marks the first joint drills between South Korea and France in three years. The Air Force mobilized its F-35A stealth jets and KC-330 Cygnus multirole aerial tankers, while the French Air Force deployed two Rafale fighter jets and an A-330 aerial refueling tanker. The French team was mobilized as part of France's "Pegase" mission, designed to inspect interoperability and deterrence capabilities with allied forces.
The exercise is scheduled to take place across nine countries, including Canada, the United States, and Japan, from September 8 through October 15. On Wednesday, the South Korean and French air forces conducted mutual aerial refueling to enhance the understanding of their respective aerial refueling systems. Additionally, joint tactical flights were staged, dividing teams into allied and enemy forces.
Pilots from both nations shared their thoughts on strategic flight tactics and aircraft operational methods. Moreover, the South Korean and French air forces performed aerial displays at a memorial cemetery in the southeastern port city of Busan to commemorate the sacrifices of U.N. troops killed during the 1950-53 Korean War. Three F-35A stealth jets from South Korea and two Rafale fighter jets from France were involved in the air show.
Maj. Gen. Vincent Chusseau, commander of the French Space Command, described the visit by French aerial assets to South Korea as a "stepping stone" to enhance operational interoperability. He emphasized the role of the Pegase mission in reviewing the French air and space forces' role as South Korea's partner to counter regional challenges. Chusseau also highlighted the strengthened relations between the two nations through "deep friendship and trust," noting that this year marks the 140th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.
Source: Yonhap News Agency