France Deploys Naval Assets to Indonesia for Joint Exercises

Arrival of French Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA)

Two French Navy Breguet Atlantique 2 (ATL2) Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and an A400M of the French Air and Space Force arrived in West Java, Indonesia on January 11, 2025.

The aircraft completed a 7,800 nautical mile, 30-hour journey, making logistical stopovers in Greece, the United Arab Emirates, and India.

The ATL2s will join the French Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group (CSG) in the area for the upcoming La Perouse 2025 exercise around the Indonesian archipelago.

Clemenceau 25 Deployment

The Charles de Gaulle CSG set sail from Toulon, France, on November 28, 2024, for the Clemenceau 25 deployment.

The CSG includes the nuclear-powered FNS Charles De Gaulle aircraft carrier, three French frigates, a supply ship, a submarine, and several foreign vessels.

The deployment aims to enhance interoperability and cooperation with partners in the Mediterranean Sea, Indian Ocean, and Pacific Ocean.

La Perouse 25 Exercise

Once in Indonesia, the Charles de Gaulle CSG commenced Exercise La Perouse 2025, which will be held from January 16 to January 24, 2025, with the participation of 13 naval vessels and 30 aircraft from nine nations.

The goal of the exercise is to provide maritime safety and coordinate actions against multiple threats, including environmental incidents, illegal immigration, and drug trafficking.

"This multinational cooperation demonstrates a steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," said the French Joint Staff.

Exercises with the Indian Navy

Prior to La Perouse 25, the French CSG conducted joint exercises with the Indian Navy near Goa and Kochi.

The Rafale Marine fighters assigned to the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier flew missions alongside Indian Air Force Su-30MKI and Jaguar fighters.

"This multi-domain training symbolizes the strong and sustainable cooperation between the two countries," said the French Joint Staff.