French Carrier Strike Group arrives in the Philippines

The French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG), led by the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, has arrived in the Philippines for an "unprecedented stopover," marking a milestone in defense cooperation between the two nations.

In a Facebook post on Sunday, the Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia said the visit strengthens "enhanced maritime and defense cooperation" between France and the Philippines.

The CSG includes the Charles de Gaulle, two multi-mission destroyers, an air defense destroyer, and the auxiliary oil replenishment ship Jacques Chevallier. 

According to the French Embassy, the Charles de Gaulle, an air defense destroyer, and the Jacques Chevallier are docked in Subic, while two multi-mission destroyers are in Manila.

“This operational deployment is a testament to our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the embassy stated.

The visit aligns with the letter of intent signed between France and the Philippines in December 2023, which aims to enhance military cooperation and joint operations. — DVM, GMA Integrated News