The French Air and Space Force operated three Rafale fighters and two CASA CN235 transport aircraft from two civilian airports during BASEX. The exercise ran across France from September 23 to October 2, 2026. Deployments to Pau Pyrénées Airport (PUF) and Dinard Airport (DNR) were conducted under FRA-ACE, France’s adaptation of NATO’s Agile Combat Employment concept.
Three Rafale fighters from the 30th Fighter Wing at Air Base 118 Mont-de-Marsan deployed to Pau with about 25 personnel. CN235 crews flew training sorties from Dinard, including an explosive ordnance disposal exercise and a joint drill with the airport’s fire and rescue services. The service said both deployments were coordinated with airport authorities and operators to avoid disrupting normal flight operations and commercial activity.
