French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier Visits Malaysia, Strengthens Defence Ties
Defence Minister Visits Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin today visited the French Navy’s aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle (CDG), which is currently passing through Malaysia’s waters in the South China Sea. During the visit, he was given a detailed briefing on the ship and its operations by the Commander of the French Carrier Strike Group (CSG), Rear Admiral Jacques Mallard.
Key Asset for French Navy
"The aircraft carrier serves as the ‘centre force’ for the French CSG and is a key asset of the French Navy, integrating various resources and capabilities around it to enable the CDG to conduct multiple missions," said Mohamed Khaled in a social media post. He added that the CDG is home to fighter jets such as the Rafale and Hawkeye aircraft, and is escorted by accompanying ships, including destroyers and supply ships.
Recent Exercises and Meetings
The CDG recently completed joint training exercises with partner nations in the region and is currently engaging in meetings with various countries. "This is part of the efforts of the country to strengthen defence ties and cooperation in the region, including with Malaysia," he said.
Senior Officials Present
Also present during the visit were Chief of Defence Force General Datuk Mohd Nizam Jaffar, Ministry of Defence secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, and Navy chief Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy Ithnain. The French Ambassador to Malaysia, Axel Cruau, was also in attendance.
Air Combat Exercise
Meanwhile, the French Embassy in Malaysia in a statement said four French Navy ‘Rafale’ of the CSG along with six fighter jets from the Royal Malaysian Air Force, including two each of Sukhoi Su-30, F/A-18 Hornet and Hawks, conducted an air combat exercise off the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, near Kuantan, today. The exercise increased interoperability and strengthened military cooperation mechanisms and processes.
Conclusion
The visit of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to Malaysia underscores the strong defence ties between the two nations. The exercise conducted with the Royal Malaysian Air Force also demonstrates the commitment of the French and Malaysian militaries to strengthening cooperation and interoperability in the region.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the visit of the French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to Malaysia?
The visit is part of efforts to strengthen defence ties and cooperation in the region, including with Malaysia. - What are the capabilities of the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier?
The CDG is a key asset of the French Navy, integrating various resources and capabilities around it to enable the CDG to conduct multiple missions. - What was the outcome of the air combat exercise conducted by the French and Malaysian air forces?
The exercise increased interoperability and strengthened military cooperation mechanisms and processes.