Croatian and French Rafale pilots conduct joint exercise: “We demonstrated a high level of training”

Personnel from the 191st Fighter Squadron of the Croatian Air Force took part in a joint air operation with the French Air and Space Force as part of the PEGASE 25 exercise, held over Croatian airspace on 29 and 30 April 2025.

Alongside Croatian and French Rafale multirole combat aircraft, the exercise also involved two French A400M transport aircraft and an A330 MRTT aerial refuelling tanker.

The primary objective of this exercise was to enhance interoperability among NATO allies and, in turn, strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy. This deployment is part of France’s implementation of NATO’s Agile Combat Employment (ACE-FRA) and Air Shielding mission, both of which aim to bolster the security of the Alliance’s eastern flank.

This marked the first time Croatian Rafales successfully conducted air-to-air refuelling with the French A330 MRTT within Croatian airspace. The operation also included a range of joint drills and training flights.

“We are truly pleased to welcome you here and look forward to working together today, tomorrow and into the future,” said Colonel Željko Ninić, Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander of the Croatian Air Force, addressing Brigadier General Patrice Hugret, Commander of the French Air Operations Brigade.

Brigadier Ninić added, “It is a great pleasure to host the French Air and Space Force team shortly after completing the full operational capability of our fighter squadron. This activity clearly demonstrates our shared standards of training, interoperability, and the host nation’s support.”

He emphasised the exercise’s significance for the Croatian Air Force and the 191st Fighter Squadron, reaffirming the exceptional proficiency and readiness of Croatian pilots.

French Brigadier General Patrice Hugret emphasised the importance of air forces being agile, resilient, and ready to provide support wherever and whenever required.

French Ambassador to Croatia, Fabien Fieschi, thanked Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić for the successful and productive cooperation to date, noting: “Croatia has become not only a fully integrated NATO and EU member but also a strategic partner of France. Through shared equipment and joint exercises, France and Croatia are contributing to strengthening Europe’s and NATO’s capabilities to defend their territories and confront all challenges to the sovereignty of member states.”