Arizona base to host flying training exercises

The 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base will participate in flying training exercises with a French Air Force unit that flies Rafale aircraft.

The Rafale is a twin-engine combat aircraft capable of carrying out a wide range of short-range and long-range missions including ground and sea attack, air defense and air superiority and reconnaissance.

The exercises are scheduled for July 28-Aug. 8 and Luke will host more than 100 French military personnel and four Rafale aircraft.

Col. Kurt Neubauer, 56th Fighter Wing commander, says it's the first time that French Air Force Rafale aircraft have been deployed to the U.S. and "working together with France in this capacity is invaluable to enhancing and sharing tactical and operational expertise."