Philippine Navy Seeks Enhanced Collaboration with France Amid Carrier Strike Group Deployment

The Philippine Navy is eager to bolster its relationship with France, especially with the upcoming deployment of a French carrier strike group in the Indo-Pacific region. This sentiment was expressed by PN chief Rear Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta during a visit from French Ambassador Marie Fontanel at the Navy’s headquarters in Manila on January 14, 2025. The ambassador extended her congratulations to Ezpeleta on his recent appointment and discussed future collaborative efforts, including the deployment of the ‘CLEMENCEAU 25’ carrier strike group and France’s role in the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The ‘CLEMENCEAU 25’ group, comprising the aircraft carrier FS Charles De Gaulle, its air wing, three frigates, a fleet oiler, and a nuclear-powered attack submarine, set sail from Toulon in late November. The group is scheduled to navigate through the Red Sea en route to the Indo-Pacific. Ezpeleta expressed enthusiasm about the capabilities of the French Navy’s deployment and praised France’s contributions to the AFP’s modernization efforts. He emphasized the Philippine Navy’s dedication to enhancing ties with France, underscoring the significance of international cooperation for maritime security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.