Portuguese F-16M Jets Perform Gulf Airspace Patrols

French pilots have returned to Base 115 in Orange, Vaucluse, following a month of defensive missions. The operations involved Rafale jets and Fennec helicopters to protect the airspace of allied Gulf nations against Iranian drones. Commander Quentin, head of the Rafale detachment, described the missions as consisting primarily of long aerial patrols. French military aircraft have conducted 360 Rafale missions and approximately 30 Fenec helicopter missions in the Middle East since February 28. Colonel Hugues Fouquet of Air Base 115 in Orange stated that Fenec helicopters are used to maintain stable distances and speeds behind targets. The aircraft will remain stationed in the region to respond if existing truces fail. The mission utilizes Rafale-capable radar technology to detect both very low and very high speed targets. Colonel Hugues Fouquet, commander of the base, noted the patrols face varying conditions including waves of drones and cruise missiles.