French military jets to soar through Arctic, tropics and desert on global mission

Four French fighter jets have embarked on a 40-day flight to showcase the country's military might and international cooperation. The Pegase 26 mission involves around 300 personnel and refueling and transport planes. The 40,000-kilometer journey will take the jets through the Arctic, tropics and desert regions with nine stopovers across three continents. The exercise is meant to highlight France’s commitment to international law and freedom of navigation.

It also demonstrates the nuclear-armed country's ability to rapidly deploy combat aircraft across potential conflict zones. France hopes the project will strengthen alliances with countries including Japan, South Korea and India.

Read the original report at Apnews.