We’re tracking an Airbus A330 MRTT (reg. F-UJCO) of the French Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air Force) flying over the Pacific Ocean, en route to New Caledonia. The mission involves transporting reinforcements for local law enforcement in response to recent riots in the archipelago.
In recent days, New Caledonia has been the scene of intense unrest. Social tensions, fueled by political and economic disputes, have led to violent clashes between protesters and security forces. The situation quickly escalated, necessitating urgent intervention by the French government.
The Airbus A330 MRTT, a multi-role aircraft primarily used for aerial refueling and strategic transport, took off from Istres AB in France. The aircraft’s route, as shown on the flight tracking map, saw it cross the Pacific Ocean, with a brief stop in Seattle for refueling.
Onboard the A330 MRTT is a contingent of highly trained French law enforcement forces, including units from the Gendarmerie Nationale and crisis management specialists. Their task will be to support local authorities in restoring public order and ensuring the safety of the civilian population. Additionally, the aircraft carries specialized equipment necessary to handle emergency situations, including light armored vehicles and crowd control tools.
French authorities have declared a state of emergency in New Caledonia, mobilizing resources and personnel to stabilize the situation. The presence of reinforcements is seen as a crucial step to prevent further escalation of violence and to promote peaceful dialogue between the conflicting parties.
In a press conference, the French Minister of Defense emphasized the importance of this mission, stating, “France is committed to ensuring the security and stability of its overseas territories. The deployment of reinforcements to New Caledonia demonstrates our determination to support local law enforcement and protect citizens.”