MANILA, Philippines – France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle wrapped up its historic stopover in the Philippines on Monday, February 24, as it departed to continue its Clemenceau 2025 mission in the Indo-Pacific.
Before its port calls in Subic Bay and Manila, the French Carrier Strike Group (CSG) conducted a bilateral maritime cooperative activity (MCA) with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the West Philippine Sea.
CSG Commander Rear Adm. Jacques Mallard described the exercise as “very instructive,” underscoring the growing defense partnership between the Philippines and France.
The 260-meter-long Charles de Gaulle, France’s flagship, is equipped with advanced capabilities, carrying up to 30 Rafale Marine fighter jets, two E-2C Hawkeye aircraft, and three helicopters—reinforcing France’s presence in the Indo-Pacific.