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France Simulates Combat Against Russia in Rafale Fighter Jet Drills with SCALP Missiles
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![Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk]( "Photo of Cyril Barabaltchouk")
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France has successfully conducted training exercises with its Rafale fighter jets, simulating combat operations against Russia, including an attack with SCALP cruise missiles, Defense Express reported on January 29.
The drills, known as “Topaze,” took place on January 27, 2026, and involved 20 Rafale aircraft.
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The exercise focused on operational dispersal, with the French pilots quickly relocating their planes from the Mont-de-Marsan airbase to other locations, such as Cognac, Cazaux, Bordeaux, and Clermont-Ferrand, to simulate evading an enemy strike.
The next phase involved preparing the Rafale jets for a retaliatory strike using SCALP cruise missiles. The planes were equipped with fuel tanks and missiles, including MICA and Meteor air-to-air missiles.
It was reported that Ukraine had also begun arming its Mirage 2000-5F fighter jets with MICA air-to-air missiles, expanding its aerial interception capabilities beyond the previously reported use of short-range Magic 2 weapons.
The French exercise aimed to enhance rapid decision-making and combat readiness, with a strong emphasis on maintaining the jets' operational capabilities despite being relocated, Defense Express wrote.
The Rafale jets demonstrated an impressive combat range of 1,500 km without refueling, enough to strike targets on the Belarusian border and return, according to Defense Express.
While there are no images of actual SCALP missile launches during the exercise, it is likely that it was conducted using simulated launches.
“Collective strength, squadron spirit, to act quickly, everywhere. With agility, efficiency, and resilience,” French Air Force said in a statement, summarizing the results of the exercise.
Previously, it was reported that Ukraine and France had agreed to explore the localization of Rafale F4 fighter jet manufacturing on Ukrainian territory, following a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Emmanuel Macron at the Velizy–Villacoublay Air Base.
-111f0e5095e02c02446ffed57bfb0ab1.jpeg "Photo of Roman Kohanets")
