Joint Military Exercise Conducted by Malaysia and France in the South China Sea
Participation of Malaysian Air Force Jets
Six Malaysian air force jets have participated in a joint military exercise with a French aircraft carrier group in the South China Sea. The air combat exercise involved four Rafale aircraft of the French carrier strike group and six fighter jets of the Royal Malaysian Air Force.
Witnessed by Defence Minister
The exercise was witnessed by Defence Minister Khaled Nordin, who boarded the French carrier Charles de Gaulle. Senior officials from the Defence Ministry and the Malaysian Armed Forces were also present, including Armed Forces Chief Gen Nizam Jaffar and Navy Chief Admiral Zulhelmy Ithnain.
France’s Commitment to Defend Sovereignty and Protect Free Access
A statement from the French embassy highlighted France’s preparedness to regularly deploy military assets "to enforce international law, defend sovereignty, and protect free and open access to common spaces." The embassy noted that the military cooperation between the two countries involved air deployments with the Pegase annual exercise in the Indo-Pacific region, and exercises between the two navies.
Strengthening Ties and Defence Cooperation
Defence Minister Khaled Nordin stated in a Facebook post that the joint exercises were part of efforts by France to strengthen ties and defence cooperation in the region, including with Malaysia. He also noted that the exercise was part of the Clemenceau 25 mission, aimed at strengthening interoperability with France’s allies.
The Charles de Gaulle’s Deployment
The Charles de Gaulle is currently deployed in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, as part of the Clemenceau 25 mission.
Conclusion
The joint military exercise between Malaysia and France demonstrates the strong bond between the two countries in terms of defence cooperation. The exercise is a crucial step in strengthening ties and promoting regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the joint military exercise?
The exercise is aimed at strengthening ties and defence cooperation between Malaysia and France, as well as promoting regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region. - What is the significance of the exercise?
The exercise demonstrates France’s preparedness to deploy military assets to enforce international law, defend sovereignty, and protect free and open access to common spaces. - What is the current deployment of the Charles de Gaulle?
The Charles de Gaulle is currently deployed in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, as part of the Clemenceau 25 mission, aimed at strengthening interoperability with France’s allies.