Finland at the Atlantic Trident exercises: Rafale "shot down" the F-35, and this is not a shock — it's a tactic

Finland hosted large-scale NATO exercises with the United States, Great Britain and France for the first time

In June 2025, Finland for the first time became the site for the multinational Atlantic Trident air exercises conducted under the auspices of NATO. The Air Forces of the United States, Great Britain and France took part in the maneuvers, which emphasized the increased role of Helsinki in the alliance's collective defense system after its accession to NATO.

The exercises were aimed at working out the operational compatibility of the allied forces in conditions of high intensity of hostilities, including complex scenarios of air warfare, electronic warfare and the protection of strategic facilities in the Arctic region.

Symbolic episode: Rafale "defeated" the F-35 in close combat training

One of the most discussed moments of the exercises was an episode during which a French Dassault Rafale fighter jet conditionally "shot down" an American F-35A Lightning II at close range as part of a training air battle.

This incident, although it did not come as a surprise to experts, attracted widespread media and expert attention. It is important to understand that the F-35 did not "lose", but found itself in a scenario that goes beyond its basic combat philosophy.

Two Philosophies of aerial combat — F-35 vs Rafale

The event illustrates a fundamental difference in approaches to air combat:

The F-35 (USA) is a fifth—generation fighter designed for ultra-long-range warfare. Its key advantages are low visibility (stealth), an advanced sensor network, real—time data exchange, and the ability to strike with "first shot, first kill." The F-35 strives to keep the enemy out of close combat.

Rafale (France) is a 4++ generation fighter optimized for highly maneuverable close combat (dogfight). With excellent aerodynamics, powerful radar and MICA weapons, it remains one of the strongest in its class precisely in visual contact conditions.

Thus, Rafale's "victory" in close combat is not the defeat of the F-35, but a demonstration that each fighter is designed for its own role.

Implications for NATO and future operations

Such exercises are critically important for working out the interaction between different types of aircraft and tactical doctrines. Rafal's success in the training duel highlights the need for:

Joint use of stealth fighters and highly maneuverable platforms

Training pilots to operate in "non-ideal" scenarios

Maintaining a fleet of aircraft capable of operating under radar and communications suppression conditions

Finland, which has its own F/A-18s and plans to acquire F-35s in the future, has gained valuable experience integrating into allied structures and practicing complex air operations.

The French Air Force has deployed upgraded Mirage 2000DS to Djibouti to enhance security in the Red Sea

The first deployment of the Mirage 2000D after the upgrade

The French Air and Space Forces (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace) have deployed upgraded Dassault Mirage 2000D attack aircraft in East Africa for the first time. Two planes arrived at the French operational base at the Ambouli International Airport in Djibouti. This deployment was the first since the April announcement of the commissioning of an upgraded version of the aircraft under the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program.

A new role in a strategically important region

The Mirage 2000D will operate in conjunction with the Mirage 2000-5F fighters already in Djibouti. Their main tasks include:

SuCAP (Surface Close Air Protection) — close air support for ground forces;

patrolling Djibouti's airspace;

protection of territorial waters;

Ensuring the safety of maritime supply routes and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

This region remains one of the most tense in the world due to threats of piracy, regional instability and geopolitical pressure from various external players.

What does the Mirage 2000D-MLU upgrade include?

The mid-term modernization program (Mid-Life Upgrade) will affect 52 French two-seat attack aircraft. Major improvements:

Installation of a 30 mm DEFA cannon, which significantly enhances the capabilities of direct air support (CAS);

Integration of Mica IR air–to-air missiles for self-defense, replacing obsolete Magic 2;

Support for precision weapons, including GBU-48 and GBU-50 laser and GPS guided bombs;

An updated glass cockpit with digital displays and an improved data transmission system, increasing situational awareness of pilots.

These changes make the Mirage 2000D more versatile and combat-ready in the context of modern conflict.

Djibouti is France's key base in Africa

The deployment of the upgraded Mirages highlights Djibouti's strategic importance to French military policy. After the withdrawal of troops from Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, as well as the reduction of the presence in Gabon and Côte d'Ivoire, Djibouti became the only major operational military base of France in Africa.

Paris' long-term commitments in the region

In early 2025, France and Djibouti ratified an updated Defense Cooperation Agreement, which extends the French military presence in the country for the next 20 years. This confirms Paris' commitment to stability in East Africa and the fight against terrorism, illegal migration and threats to maritime security.

The French Air Force notes that the arrival of the Mirage 2000D "adds new operational capabilities" and "increases the speed of response to threats emerging in this strategic area."

Belgium, France and Britain launched reconnaissance over the Black Sea: AWACS, Raptors and refueling in the sky

 

A large—scale joint air mission recently took place over the Black Sea. Belgium, France and the United Kingdom conducted a reconnaissance patrol together, demonstrating their readiness and coordination in the face of the tense situation in the region. The mission looked like a real aviation parade of power: long-range radar detection aircraft, fighter jets, tankers and special reconnaissance vehicles took to the sky.

At the center of the operation is the French E—3F Sentry AWACS, a radar-mounted aircraft capable of "seeing" hundreds of kilometers around and controlling airspace. Working alongside him was the British RC-135, a legendary reconnaissance aircraft that intercepts radio signals, analyzes electronic emissions, and collects intelligence in real time. These two "heavenly command posts" became the eyes and ears of the mission.

Fighter jets flew under their cover. Belgium deployed two of its F-16s, which covered the scouts and were ready for any eventuality. France did not lag behind: two modern Rafales took to the air, capable of fighting, conducting reconnaissance, and delivering pinpoint strikes.

And so that all these planes could stay in the sky longer, the A330 MRTT, multi—purpose tankers for refueling in the air, joined the case. In total, three such aircraft were involved: two were French, and one was from the multinational MRTT NATO fleet, which this time had a Belgian crew at the helm. This is an important point: it shows how deep the integration between the allied countries is.

Photos and videos from the mission were published by the Belgian Defense Forces and the French Air and Space Forces (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace) on social networks - not just as a report, but as a signal: we are here, we are together, and we are vigilant.

Such missions are part of NATO's efforts to strengthen its air presence over the Black Sea, especially in light of events in Ukraine. They are not aggressive, but they are helpful.: The Allies are monitoring the situation, coordinating actions and demonstrating their ability to react quickly.

The A400M Atlas of the French Air Force is being tested in extreme Arctic conditions

   

A400M Atlas

The French Air Force (Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace, AAE) conducted a series of tests of the Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft in the northern polar regions. The purpose of the mission was to test the capabilities of aviation in conditions of icy runways, low temperatures and difficult navigation.  

Operation in extreme conditions  

The tests took place at remote airfields in Canada and Greenland, where A400M crews practiced take-off and landing on ice-covered lanes. This is a key stage of preparation for operations in the Arctic, where France participates in international missions and supports scientific research. The aircraft has demonstrated its ability to transport cargo and personnel even at critically low temperatures, confirming its role as a versatile vehicle for difficult regions.  

Technical Features of the A400M 

The A400M Atlas, developed by Airbus, is equipped with four turboprop engines, providing high maneuverability and a payload capacity of up to 37 tons. Its control system allows it to adapt to short and unprepared runways, which is critical for operations in remote areas. This aircraft has previously been used in humanitarian operations and military missions, including the delivery of equipment to conflict zones.  

Strategic importance for France 

The successful tests strengthen France's position as a country capable of projecting power in the Arctic. This is especially true against the background of the growing interest in the region from other powers. The A400M will become part of a strategy to ensure troop mobility and support Arctic bases, which is in line with the country's long-term modernization plans for the Air Force.  

French Air Force reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea

 

On March 12, 2025, a reconnaissance aircraft of the French Air Force, accompanied by two Dassault Rafale B fighters, completed a reconnaissance mission over the Black Sea. During the mission, the aircraft came within 150 kilometers of the Crimean Peninsula.

The Dassault Rafale B is a two—seat version of the Rafale fighter jet used by the French Air Force. These aircraft are equipped with advanced reconnaissance systems and can perform complex reconnaissance missions. The Rafale B is capable of carrying a wide range of weapons and equipment to carry out missions in various conditions.

The purpose of the reconnaissance mission was probably to collect information about military activity in the region, as well as to monitor the situation on the border. Such missions are part of the standard operations of the French Air Force as part of international obligations and global security monitoring.

Two Rafale B fighter jets provided escort for the reconnaissance aircraft, which underscores the importance of the mission and the need to ensure the safety of the aircraft from possible threats. The Rafale B is one of the most advanced fighters in the world, with high maneuverability and powerful weapons systems.

The mission of the French Air Force over the Black Sea may be related to the current tensions in the region. In particular, some Ukrainian sources suggest that an attempt may be made to attack the Crimean Bridge in the next 24 hours. Such intelligence operations allow NATO member countries to assess the situation and take measures to ensure regional stability.

The French Air Force is on the verge of crisis: Three days of ammunition and outdated technology

Aerial refueling of the French Rafale fighter

A recent analytical report has raised troubling questions about the readiness of the French Air Force for modern military conflicts. According to the data, France can conduct intense air battles for only three days, after which its stocks of missiles and ammunition will be completely exhausted. A particularly critical situation is observed with Meteor—type missiles, which can last even less - just one day of combat. These data reveal serious problems not only in logistics and logistics, but also in the overall development strategy of French aviation.

The main problem is the extremely small amount of ammunition designed for modern aerial combat. Modern warfare requires the use of high-precision missiles such as Meteor, which provide a significant advantage in range and accuracy. However, their limited supply makes the French Air Force virtually helpless in a prolonged or large-scale conflict.

Experts point out that this situation has arisen due to an underestimation of the importance of logistics in the face of growing geopolitical challenges. Although France is actively investing in the development of new technologies, insufficient attention is being paid to replenishing current ammunition stocks, which casts doubt on the country's ability to protect its interests in the long term.

Another key problem is the technical obsolescence of the French Air Force aircraft fleet. At the moment, the entire combat potential of French aviation is based on fourth-generation aircraft such as the Rafale. Despite being considered one of the best fighters in its class, the Rafale has significant difficulties when facing fifth-generation fighters such as the F-35 or Su-57.

Fifth-generation fighters have advantages in the form of super maneuverability, radar stealth, and integration of advanced electronic Warfare systems. This makes them much more effective in modern air combat conditions. France does not yet have its own fifth-generation fighter, although the project of the future European fighter Next-Generation Weapon System (NGWS) is under development. However, its implementation is expected only by 2040, which leaves the country without competitive means of protection over the next two decades.

The current state of the French Air Force calls into question the country's ability to fulfill its obligations as a leading member of NATO and the European Union. In the face of growing tensions in Europe and other regions of the world, France must be ready not only to defend its territories, but also to provide assistance to its allies. However, limited ammunition stocks and outdated equipment significantly reduce its potential.

In addition, such restrictions may affect France's international reputation as a military power. If a country fails to demonstrate its combat capability, it could weaken its influence on the global stage and call into question its role as an independent security player.

Experts suggest several steps to solve these problems.:

1. Increased ammunition stocks: It is urgently necessary to increase the production and purchase of modern missiles and other types of weapons in order to ensure the possibility of long-term participation in conflicts.

2. Acceleration of NGWS development: The next generation fighter jet project should receive additional funding to shorten its implementation time. 

3. International cooperation: France may consider working more closely with other countries, such as Germany and Italy, to jointly develop and manufacture advanced weapons.

4. Review of the defense strategy: It is necessary to rethink the priorities of the defense budget, focusing more on preparing for modern threats, and not just on maintaining existing systems.

France is facing a serious challenge: its Air Force is in a state that makes it virtually helpless in prolonged or large-scale conflicts. Limited ammunition stocks and outdated technology pose a threat to the country's national security and international standing. Solving these problems will require significant efforts and investments, but they cannot be ignored if France wants to maintain its status as the world's leading military power.

Another example of poor combat readiness: here is an analysis of the problem in the British Army.