11 February 2025
The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) flew into the new year with strengthened collaboration alongside France’s Carrier Strike Group, as French-led Exercise Rastaban 25 unfolded in Australia’s northern region.
The exercise brought together aviators from RAAF’s 2 Operational Conversion Unit (2OCU) and French Naval aviators from 17F Squadron, operating from the French carrier FNS Charles de Gaulle.
The joint training activity, conducted during the carrier’s deployment to the Indo-Pacific in January, showcased Australia’s fifth generation F-35A Lightning II’s strike capability in tandem with the French Rafale M maritime fighter jets.
The exercise enhanced the interoperability of both nations’ war fighting capability and demonstrated commitment to regional security.
RAAF Detachment Commander Squadron Leader Jordon Sander highlighted the exercise’s significance.
“Exercises like Rastaban 25 provide invaluable opportunities to train alongside partner forces with diverse aircraft, sharpening our air combat skills,” Squadron Leader Sander said.
“We will take every opportunity to train with our partners when they deploy to the Indo-Pacific. We are able to learn from each other – from basic integration lessons to advanced combat manoeuvring.
“Whenever we get the chance to train against different aircraft, it’s great for our crews. The Rafale is an extremely capable fighter, and we’re looking forward to training alongside it again.
“As we fly together, we learn to fight together, and how to do so effectively.”
French Navy Detachment Commander, Commander Rémi, welcomed the opportunity to foster mutual understanding and strengthen ties between the two forces.
“Our current regional deployment mission, Clemenceau 25, will take us all the way through the region over a five-month period, and will see us doing lots of flying in the southern hemisphere,” Commander Remi said.
“It’s very important for us to be able to project our Rafales off the carrier and fly with forces like Australia, and this exercise provides the opportunity to rehearse that.”
Joint training exercises play a pivotal role in strengthening participants’ ability to operate cohesively in dynamic and complex environments, ensuring they remain prepared to adapt to evolving regional and global challenges.
Exercise Rastaban 25 exemplifies the RAAF's commitment to nurturing strong ties with international partners and maintaining readiness for combined operations.
