On 5 October, French Minister of Defense and Veterans Catherine Vautrin visited La Réunion, highlighting France's strategic position in the Indian Ocean. At the 181st Air Base "Lieutenant Roland Garros" in Sainte-Marie, she attended a demonstration of the Pégase 2026 mission, a long-range operation by the French Air and Space Force, and met with regional military officials. Vautrin announced 272 new military positions for La Réunion and Mayotte, as well as improvements to surveillance capabilities in the region. At the 181st Air Base, Vautrin emphasized France's ability to quickly deploy military forces into the Indian Ocean and reaffirmed its commitment to sovereignty in the Indo-Pacific. The Pégase 2026 mission involves 300 pilots and nine aircraft, covering 40,000 kilometers over 40 days. The operation includes autonomous logistics and support from nine partner countries, aiming to demonstrate the French military's capacity to project power over long distances and train personnel for such missions. The visit to La Réunion also aimed to strengthen the island's role as a key support base for the French military in the southern Indian Ocean. As the only permanent support point for the French Air and Space Force in the region, the 181st Air Base can temporarily host additional resources from mainland France. This was tested in December 2024, when Cyclone Chido hit Mayotte. The base then became a logistics hub, receiving reinforcements and supplies from France before their transport to Mayotte. Military aircraft such as the Casa and A400M were used to rotate resources between the two islands. Before arriving in La Réunion, some aircraft had departed from Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in India. The flight included two refueling aircraft, two Rafale jets, and an A400M, with three in-flight refuelings conducted during the journey. The day's events also included cooperation with regional neighbors. Vautrin met with General Ely Razafitombo Maminirina, Madagascar's Minister of the Armed Forces, and held discussions with military leaders from other Indian Ocean Commission countries. A demonstration of in-flight refueling was also part of the Pégase 2026 mission. During the meetings, Vautrin highlighted the strategic importance of the Mozambique Channel, a vital maritime route that has become more critical due to international crises and increased maritime traffic. She emphasized the need for environmental protection and security in the region, stressing the importance of cooperation among countries while respecting their sovereignty. General Maminirina echoed these sentiments, noting the importance of collaboration in securing maritime traffic. Vautrin confirmed that the Indian Ocean is now a major strategic area for France. In an interview with the Quotidien de La Réunion, she stated that the region has become a "major strategic theater." She also reaffirmed France's firm stance on sovereignty, saying that the country would not compromise on its territorial claims. Vautrin outlined plans to increase the military presence in the area, with 165 of the 272 new positions available by 2026. A light surveillance aircraft has been stationed in the region since 1 October, and a second overseas patrol ship is expected to be deployed in the coming year. Vautrin's visit continues on 6 October with planned meetings in Madagascar, including sessions with President Michaël Randrianirina and the Malagasy Minister of the Armed Forces.