The French Air and Space Forces conducted a reconnaissance flight over the Black Sea. This activity was tracked by the Flightradar24 monitoring service and the Itamilradar (X) project.

On March 12, French combat and strategic aviation activity was recorded over the international waters of the Black Sea and in the Flight Information Region of the Rostov oblast of the Russian Federation.

A Boeing E-3CF long-range radar detection and control aircraft (LRDC) and an Airbus A330 MRTT tanker were accompanied by two Dassault Rafale B fighter jets.

This operation suggests a reconnaissance mission. A similar operation was conducted on March 5, involving an E-3CF under the cover of a Dassault Mirage 2000D fighter and supported by a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker tanker.

French Intelligence for Ukraine

France is prepared to share its intelligence data with Ukraine, as stated by French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu on France Inter radio.

“Our intelligence is sovereign… with our own capabilities. We are passing this on to the Ukrainians,” Lecornu emphasized.

Details of this cooperation have not been disclosed, and the Ukrainian side has yet to comment.

The reconnaissance activities of the French Air Force in the Black Sea and along its coast may be part of this cooperation.

Resumption of U.S. Intelligence Sharing

Recently, negotiations in Saudi Arabia between Ukrainian and U.S. delegations resulted in the White House agreeing to lift the pause on intelligence and military assistance.

U.S. President’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stated that resuming military assistance is contingent on the start of peace talks with Russia.

This development suggests that American reconnaissance aircraft and drones may return to surveillance in the Black Sea region.