France Puts its Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle Under NATO Command for the First Time

For the first time ever, the French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle’s Carrier Strike Group will be sent on a mission under NATO’s command.

On 22nd April, the French Navy’s Flagship Charles de Gaulle, along with frigates and an attack submarine, will be deployed in the Mediterranean with an air group comprising fighter planes, helicopters, and early warning aircraft.

The mission is called AKILA and involves units from other nations, such as the U.S., Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain.

As stated in a French Navy press release, these units will participate in Alliance activities in Europe and the Mediterranean to bolster deterrent and defence posture, contribute to regional security, and promote regional stability.

The mission would be six weeks long and involve adjusting technical processes and command methods and providing mutual logistical support.

All the mission vessels will report to Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO, a command in Oeiras, Portugal.

French Vice Admiral Didier Maleterre, NATO’s maritime second-in-command, said, “This is the first time that we put the Charles-de-Gaulle aircraft carrier and its escort, including a nuclear-powered attack submarine, under the operational control of NATO… during an operational vigilance activity, which is much more significant than an exercise.”

He added that although some aircraft and vessels of the French Navy functioned under NATO Command, the aircraft carrier with Rafaele jets has always been under the control of the French.

He said that France could get national command if needed at any point during the operation.

France has become closer to NATO after the Russian invasion of Ukraine and is showing the same through this development.

The Aircraft Carrier has a crew of 1200, and it sailed from Toulon Port in January after it was undergoing maintenance in May 2023.

The U.S. also kept its aircraft carrier under NATO control in 2022 for the first time since the Cold War, and now France has decided to do the same.

References: Rfi news, Zona Militar