SAPHIR Exercises: 21 Dassault Rafale Fighters in Spectacular Elephant Walk Formation

2024-02-14 21:11:12

During the SAPHIR exercises organized by the French Air and Space Force, 21 Dassault Rafale fighters taxied along the Mont-de-Marsan runway during an Elephant Walk, before taking off for formation flights.

From February 12 to 16, the 30th Fighter Wing of the French Air and Space Force (Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace) is carrying out the exercises SAPHIR, which aims to optimize the availability of combat aircraft, increasing the volume of activity of its different squads during a certain period. Between 180 and 200 simulated combat sorties are expected to be carried out, with which the 30th Fighter Wing will test its ability to take off an average of 20 Rafales per day. This exercise mobilizes all the technical and logistical support forces of the Force itself, but also requires a permanent dialogue with the industrial support base and manufacturers..

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During the second day of exercises, a spectacular “elephant walk” took place where 21 Rafale fighter jets were photographed during filming in close formationprior to minimum interval takeoff.

Little anecdote: during the SAPHIR exercise organized today at MDM, there were 21 Rafales in flight. But due to concerns regarding the symmetry of the rfollowings, only 18 took part in the training ???? pic.twitter.com/QjJPnqw3TM

— French Fighter Squadrons (@EscadronsChasse) February 13, 2024

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Once in the air, 18 of these fighters were photographed during a formation flight, leaving three planes outside to maintain the symmetry of the figures (although the French Air Force swears that all 21 flew).

We also planned this for Valentine’s Day! pic.twitter.com/w3AdaajgEU

— French Fighter Squadrons (@EscadronsChasse) February 14, 2024

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To celebrate Valentine’s Day, the 18 Rafale fighters flew in a heart formation.

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