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ConflictFrench Rafale jets intercept two Russian Su-30 aircraft over Baltic Sea
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This operational update from the French Ministry of Defense covers the period from July 2 to July 9, 2026, focusing on the European zone. On NATO's eastern flank, French soldiers in Estonia conducted trench combat training as part of a rotation to acclimate new units. In Lithuania, the French Rafale detachment assigned to NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission conducted joint reconnaissance and training maneuvers with Romanian F-16s, Polish MiG-29s, and a Lithuanian helicopter, demonstrating interoperability. On July 8, two Rafales from the Siauliai air base were scrambled on alert to intercept two Russian Su-30 aircraft flying near NATO borders, contributing to the integrity of Alliance airspace.
Source report
Author: adrien.gedin Category: Operations
EUROPE
Eastern Flank of the Alliance: Permanent Operational Posture
Estonia – French soldiers from the infantry company deployed within the NATO multinational battalion conducted a trench combat training sequence. Following a recent handover, this training was designed to prepare new units and acclimate them to this type of environment.
Lithuania – The French Rafale detachment assigned to the NATO air policing mission took part in several reconnaissance and training maneuvers alongside various partners, including Romanian F-16s, Polish MiG-29s, and a Lithuanian helicopter. These activities demonstrate the interoperability of French assets with those of allied forces.
On July 8, two Rafales from the Šiauliai air base launched on alert to intercept two Su-30 aircraft flying near the borders of the Alliance, thereby contributing to the integrity of NATO airspace.
Source
Ministère des Armées et des Anciens combattantsWestern
Part of this Story
French Forces Intercept Russian Jets, Train in NATO Eastern Flank Operations