France deploys Rafale jets to Lithuanian base near Russian border

France has deployed its Rafale fighter jets to Siauliai Air Base in Lithuania, located approximately 130 kilometres from the Russian border, Military Watch Magazine (MWM) reports.

The deployment positions France at the forefront of NATO’s Baltic Air Policing mission.

Rafales stationed at the base are reportedly capable of firing air-to-air missiles deep into Russian airspace and can conduct cruise missile strikes thousands of kilometres beyond key Russian cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. The arrival of the Rafales coincides with the French Army’s deployment of Leclerc main battle tanks for live-fire exercises in Romania, near the Ukrainian border.

French personnel have been active in multiple theaters, including Ukraine and the Middle East. In recent operations, French fighter and attack helicopter units have engaged Iranian drones, while also boarding civilian cargo ships carrying Russian goods, including fossil fuels—a campaign that has drawn international criticism for its disputed legal justification. These extensive operations have significantly depleted France’s reserves of air-to-air missiles.

The Rafale is a “4+ generation” lightweight fighter with a smaller radar and limited engine power compared with Russian Su-30 and Su-35 fighters. Analysts note that while capable within the fourth-generation class, the Rafale is outmatched by fifth-generation fighters such as the U.S. F-35 and Chinese J-20, raising concerns about its viability in high-intensity combat without support from more advanced allied aircraft.

French military officials have warned of potential escalation. In October, French Land Forces Commander General Pierre Schill pledged that France would be prepared for expanded operations against Russia in Ukraine in 2026 if necessary. Chief of the General Staff Fabien Mandon similarly noted that forces should be combat-ready within three to four years to confront the “emerging Russian threat.”

President Emmanuel Macron has repeatedly indicated that larger French ground force deployments to Ukraine remain a possibility, emphasizing the country’s commitment to “do everything necessary to prevent Russia from winning this war.” The French government has reportedly been evaluating major troop deployment options since June 2023.

By Vafa Guliyeva