French Naval Air Group (GAN), centered around the aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle,” departed Toulon France on Thursday for a several-month mission through the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean, and eventually the Pacific, according to media reports.
The operation, named Clemenceau 25, involves close cooperation with several foreign navies, including Morocco. The cooperation with Morocco is part of a long tradition of partnerships between the two countries, regularly strengthened through joint exercises and strategic exchanges in the maritime domain.
During its deployment, the GAN will integrate escort ships from partner countries, notably a Moroccan frigate. The collaboration will strengthen interoperability between the French and Moroccan naval forces while contributing to maritime security in the regions traveled.
Rear Admiral Jacques Mallard, commander of the GAN, said the mission will “promote freedom of navigation and develop shared capabilities with regional partners, particularly in strategic areas such as the Indian Ocean and the Pacific.”
In addition to the aircraft carrier and its complement of around 20 Rafale fighter jets, the GAN is accompanied by a replenishment ship, three frigates, a nuclear attack submarine, and several foreign vessels. “It will also be equipped with data hubs to collect and analyze data in the tactical, environmental, and detection domains, a strategic advancement in preparing for future naval combat,” Rear Admiral Mallard added.