The French Navy’s flagship aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle on Friday. The visit, part of the “Clemenceau 25” mission, marks the first time Charles de Gaulle has docked in the country.
According to news reports, the carrier was accompanied by its strike group which included three frigates, a fleet oiler, and a nuclear-powered attack submarine. The group departed from Toulon in late November 2024.
WATCH: A French Rafale jet takes off from the French Navy’s aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R-91), as part of the activities during the PH-France Maritime Cooperative Activity in the in West Philippine Sea under the area of the Northern Luzon Command on Friday (Feb. 21,… pic.twitter.com/XcUyRNJOOx
— Philippine News Agency (@pnagovph) February 21, 2025
Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the French Navy forces “are expected to conduct combined naval and air exercises alongside the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Air Force in the West Philippine Sea” during their stay.
The West Philippine Sea refers to the areas in the South China Sea that fall within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.
The upcoming joint drills are designed to enhance interoperability, communication, and defense capabilities between the two nations’ armed forces.
Philippines, France Strengthen Bilateral Defense thru Maritime Cooperative Activity
CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the French Navy engaged in a Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) on February 21, marking the AFP’s third consecutive… pic.twitter.com/Gsiq6vV4WW
— Armed Forces of the Philippines (@TeamAFP) February 21, 2025
The Charles de Gaulle, named after the renowned French general and president, is a 42,500-ton nuclear-powered aircraft carrier capable of speeds up to 27 knots. According to Naval News, Charles de Gaulle is the world’s only nuclear aircraft carrier outside the United States Navy.
In 2024, the French Navy also participated in Exercise “Balikatan” alongside Filipino and American forces, deploying the frigate Vendémiaire.
