The French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier goes to Japan, in a 'message' to China, its allies

France is reportedly preparing to send its nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, on an extended mission that will mark a historic first visit to JapanAccording to analysts, this move is intended to send a message to both allies and hostile regional powers.

“The message behind this latest French deployment is not just focused on one state, although the priority is likely to be Chinabut also other countries,” Garren Mulloy, professor of international relations at Daito Bunka University, told This Week in Asia.

Earlier this month, the French Ministry of Defense announced that its aircraft carrier and task force, including air wings and warships, were conducting exercises in the Mediterranean after a four-month refit. According to Naval News, a senior French officer stated on November 1 that the aircraft carrier group will soon embark on a multi-month mission called Clemenceau 25, which will cover the Eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.

The publication reported that the deployment will include port visits to the Philippines and Japan. The strike group is expected to consist of the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, an air defense destroyer, two frigates, a nuclear-powered attack submarine and a logistics ship. The air wing is likely to consist of 24 Rafale Marine fighters, four helicopters and two early warning aircraft.

French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. Photo: AP

The unnamed French military official, who requested anonymity, told Naval News that the mission has placed “no limits on its imagination” and plans to “train as far and realistically as possible.”