For the purpose of providing air protection for the second launch of the Ariane 6 rocket by the European Space Agency (ESA), the French Air and Space Force will keep its Rafale fighters deployed in the Caribbean until March 4 as part of the mission called Bubo 25. Once the rocket completes its launch, the deployed elements will move from their temporary station in French Guiana to bases in the French Antilles, where they will participate in military exercises with forces stationed there to combat drug trafficking and support humanitarian missions.
According to local media, the French Air and Space Force will deploy a force consisting of three Rafale fighters, accompanied by an A330 Phénix MRTT refueling aircraft, an E3F surveillance aircraft, and an A400M transport plane. As was the case in July 2024, the deployed elements will join the nine helicopters (five SA330 Puma and four AS555 AN Fennec) stationed at Air Base 367 Captain François Massé, forming a complex security bubble. This operation is of great importance to Paris, not only because it takes place in one of its overseas territories but also due to the deployment of the CSO3 military satellite alongside the Ariane 6 mission.
At this point, it is worth noting that the ESA currently maintains February 26 as the scheduled date for the launch of the Ariane 6 rocket, following its suspension in December due to minor failures in the final preparation stage. As reported by the specialized media outlet Espacio Tech from its on-site coverage, this is a significant mission with a strong commercial focus, occurring amid the European Space Agency’s efforts to gain greater prominence in light of the uncertainties brought by the new Donald Trump administration in the space sector.
Regarding the subsequent transfer to the French Antilles, it is important to highlight that this marks the first deployment of Rafale fighters in the region, where they will participate in various missions alongside the A330 Phénix MRTT, E3F, and A400M aircraft, with press-accessible events also planned. In particular, during their training missions, the pilots involved will take part in joint flights that include strategic transport, logistical support for current military missions, and assistance in potential natural disaster scenarios. Throughout this final phase of mission Bubo 25, the primary base of operations will be the State Aeronautical Center of Lamentin in Martinique.
Image credits: @Armee_de_lair on X
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