France’s Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday (May 6th) that the aircraft carrier “Charles de Gaulle” will be deployed to the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in preparation for future missions to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the French Ministry of Defense, the country’s only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, along with its escort fleet, will transit the Suez Canal on that day and head towards the southern part of the Red Sea. This move is part of the upcoming initiative to secure the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint that carries about 20% of global oil trade.
Amid military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran, French President Emmanuel Macron deployed the “Charles de Gaulle” in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Red Sea as a defensive measure.
Currently, France and the UK are leading a coalition composed of European and Gulf countries to establish a joint force to ensure safe passage for commercial ships through the volatile strait once the conflicts involving the US, Israel, and Iran subside. While over 40 countries have expressed willingness to participate in such actions, all parties have shown a reluctance to directly engage in hostilities until the conflicts are resolved.
According to a statement released by the French Ministry of Defense on Wednesday, the initiative has “gathered over 40 countries” and its nature “differs from ongoing military operations in the region.” Germany also announced on Tuesday that they are deploying a navy mine clearance vessel, the “Fulda,” to the Mediterranean to be ready for swift engagement in international operations when officially launched.
The redeployment of the “Charles de Gaulle” brings it closer to the Persian Gulf, which has experienced disruptions by Iran since early March. Colonel Guillaume Vernet, spokesman for the French Armed Forces Chief of Staff, told the Associated Press, “Moving south of the Suez Canal is a new move for us.”
Vernet emphasized that France’s action is distinct from the US’s “Project Freedom” mission. He stated that the broader alliance consisting of the UK, France, and over 50 countries will not operate officially until maritime threats are alleviated and confidence is restored in the maritime industry. Additionally, any actions will require approval from neighboring countries.
Currently, specific details regarding the operation mode and leadership of the mission remain limited. From the available information, it appears to be a multinational initiative led by the UK and France, with substantial participation from over 40 countries and broad support from over 50 countries worldwide.
As the “Charles de Gaulle” sets sail towards the southern Red Sea, French shipping giant CMA CGM confirmed on Wednesday that its cargo ship “San Antonio” was attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in injuries to multiple crew members and damage to the vessel. This incident once again highlights the fragile security situation in the strait.