France Deploys Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle To Mediterranean As Middle East War Threatens Global Shipping

France has ordered its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to sail to the Mediterranean as tensions rise in the Middle East and key global shipping routes face threats.

President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment on March 3 in a televised address, citing threats to the Strait of Hormuz, the Red Sea, and the Suez Canal.

Macron said France is acting to protect its economic interests, safeguard maritime traffic, and defend allied bases in the region.

The Charles de Gaulle, along with its air wing and frigate escort, will reposition from the North Atlantic, where it had been participating in a planned multinational exercise. It will now move closer to the Middle East to strengthen France’s naval presence.

The Charles de Gaulle is France’s only nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the flagship of the French Navy. It carries Rafale fighter jets, airborne radar aircraft, and helicopters capable of air defense and strike missions.

Macron said additional Rafale jets, air-defense systems, and airborne radar assets have already been deployed to the region. He added that France will continue these measures if needed.

Maritime trade routes are under pressure. The Strait of Hormuz carries a large share of the world’s oil exports. The Red Sea and Suez Canal connect Asia and Europe and handle major container and energy shipments.

Drone and missile activity in the Gulf has increased risks for ships and offshore facilities.

In the United Arab Emirates, debris from drone interceptions caused a fire in an oil zone in Fujairah, which was later contained.

In Abu Dhabi, a drone hit a fuel tank terminal, but operations were not disrupted.

For shipowners and charterers, the situation means higher insurance costs, possible rerouting, and uncertainty in schedules.

France has hundreds of military personnel in the UAE. Rafale jets are based at Al-Dhafra air base near Abu Dhabi. Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said French aircraft secured airspace and neutralised drones to protect French facilities.

A hangar at a French base in the UAE was struck by a drone on Sunday. Macron said French forces shot down drones in self-defense to protect allied airspace.

France has defense agreements with Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, and commitments to Jordan and Iraq. Macron also said the frigate Languedoc would arrive off Cyprus to strengthen protection after a strike on a British air base there.

While increasing its military presence, France said it was not involved in the US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Macron stated that those operations were carried out outside international law and that France could not approve them.

At the same time, he said Iran bears responsibility for escalating tensions due to its nuclear and missile programs and its support for armed groups in the region.