French MoD: Rafale jets intercept two Russian Su-30 near NATO eastern flank

Published Jul 12, 06:38 PM UTC

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The French Ministry of Defense provided an operational update for the period July 2-9, 2026, focusing on NATO's eastern flank. In Estonia, French infantry conducted trench combat training as part of a multinational battalion rotation to acclimate new units. In Lithuania, the French Rafale detachment assigned to NATO's Baltic Air Policing mission conducted reconnaissance and training maneuvers with Romanian F-16s, Polish MiG-29s, and a Lithuanian helicopter, demonstrating interoperability. On July 8, two Rafales from Siauliai Air Base scrambled to intercept two Russian Su-30 aircraft flying near NATO borders, successfully defending 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 the handover, this training aimed to prepare the new units and acclimate them to this type of environment.

Lithuania – The French Rafale detachment dedicated to the NATO air policing mission participated in several reconnaissance and training maneuvers with various partners, including Romanian F-16s, Polish MiG-29s, and a Lithuanian helicopter. These activities illustrate the interoperability of our assets with those of our partners.

On July 8, two Rafales from the Šiauliai air base took off on alert to intercept two Su-30s flying near the borders of the Alliance. They thus contributed to the integrity of NATO airspace.

Content shown outside its original language is machine translated; summaries may also be condensed.

Source

Ministère des Armées et des Anciens combattantsWestern

Original headline: Point de situation des opérations du jeudi 02 juillet au jeudi 9 juillet 2026

Original language: FR

Part of this Story

French Forces Intercept Russian Jets, Train in NATO Eastern Flank Operations

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People and interests

France NATO Estonia Lithuania Romania Poland Russia