AFP: Aircraft carrier's visit shows growing PH-France defense ties
Philippine News Agency
By Priam Nepomuceno
February 21, 2025, 2:43 pm
MANILA -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday welcomed the visit of the 42,500-ton French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle and its escorts, which are expected to arrive in the country on Saturday.
The stopover is part of the French Navy's "Clemenceau 25" mission.
"This historic stopover marks the first visit of the French Navy's aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle to the Philippines, as it makes an operational break in Subic Bay and Manila on Feb. 22, 2025," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said in a message to reporters.
He also said 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."
This aircraft carrier was named after French general and president Charles de Gaulle. The ship carries a complement of modern aircraft and is capable of speeds up to 27 knots.
Trinidad added that the visit of the Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group highlights the growing defense ties between the Philippines and France.
This follows the French Navy's first participation in Exercise "Balikatan" 2024, during which the frigate Vendémiaire was deployed alongside Filipino and American forces.
"Previous port calls by the destroyer Bretagne in Manila and the frigate Prairial in Cebu further underscore France's commitment to regional security and the shared goal of strengthening maritime cooperation in the Indo-Pacific," Trinidad said. (PNA)
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