France Conducts 'Topaze' Combat Drills with Rafale Jets, Simulating Response to High-Intensity Attack

French Air Force Tests Rapid Response in 'Topaze' Drills

The French Air Force recently conducted extensive training exercises, codenamed 'Topaze,' designed to simulate a high-intensity combat scenario. The drills, which took place on January 27, 2026, involved 20 Rafale fighter jets and approximately 145 military personnel from the 30th Fighter Wing (30e Escadre de Chasse). The exercise focused on rapid response capabilities, including evading enemy attacks and executing retaliatory strikes.

Simulation of Adversary Attack and Dispersal

The 'Topaze' exercises commenced with a simulated imminent attack on the Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in southwestern France. Units were given only seven hours' notice to prepare for the simulated threat, which included enemy drones. The primary objective of this phase was the rapid redeployment and evacuation of aircraft, personnel, and equipment to maintain operational capability. Four groups of fighter jets were dispersed to various air bases, including Cognac, Cazaux, Bordeaux, and the civilian airport in Clermont-Ferrand.

The exercise emphasized maximizing decision-making speed, a process described as 'racing against time' by participants. This phase also tested the logistical support chain, including mechanics, technical teams, spare parts, and weapons, with some aircraft even given simulated malfunctions to assess repair efficiency.

Retaliatory Strike with SCALP Cruise Missiles

Following the dispersal phase, the exercise culminated in the preparation for a retaliatory strike. Rafale jets were configured for combat, equipped with SCALP cruise missiles, along with MICA and Meteor air-to-air missiles. While not officially stated, the scenario was widely interpreted as simulating combat operations against an adversary capable of long-range strikes on airfields, with several reports identifying Russia as the implied threat.

The SCALP-EG (Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée – Emploi Général), also known as Storm Shadow, is a long-range, conventionally armed deep strike weapon. These missiles are approximately 5.1 meters long, weigh around 1,300 kilograms, and possess a range between 250-400 kilometers. They are guided by a sophisticated triple navigation system, incorporating inertial navigation, GPS, and Terrain Reference Navigation, and feature an imaging infrared seeker for precision targeting.

Rafale's Role in French Air Power

The Dassault Rafale, a twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft, is central to France's air capabilities. Described as an 'omnirole' aircraft, it is designed to perform a wide array of missions, including air supremacy, interdiction, aerial reconnaissance, ground support, in-depth strike, anti-ship strike, and nuclear deterrence. The Rafale jets demonstrated a combat range of 1,500 km without refueling during the exercise.

The French Air Force summarized the exercise by stating, 'Collective strength, squadron spirit, to act quickly, everywhere. With agility, efficiency, and resilience.' This exercise underscores France's ongoing focus on high-intensity warfare and its commitment to maintaining combat readiness amidst evolving international tensions.