The Eastern Mediterranean is home to an international navy that is growing day by day. Along with the United States and the United Kingdom, France is traditionally present in this area, but its naval force is being strengthened.
On Wednesday, by decision of the President of the Republic, the French Mistral-class hospital ship, the “Tonnerre”, left Toulon for Gaza to participate in relief operations for the civilian population of the Palestinian territory. She could transport humanitarian cargo.
The Swiss Army Knife of the French Navy
Will this amphibious helicopter carrier (PHA) dock in Gaza or will it use its helicopters to transport or receive the wounded to support Gaza’s overloaded hospitals?
This versatile ship is nicknamed “the Swiss Army Knife of the French Navy” by the military. And rightly so, in addition to these humanitarian missions, she can engage in combat with helicopters and their ability to land ground units.
Two frigates already in place
On social media, observers are already raising the question of the safety of this building in an uncertain environment that could become even more tense. But Thunder will not be alone in the region. He joins two French frigates, Alsace and Surcouf, which are already there. The Surcouf frigate was already there before the Hamas attack on Israeli territory.
The Surcouf-type frigate La Fayette (FLF) has as its main mission maritime surveillance, intelligence and the projection of special forces. The Alsacia is a multi-mission frigate with enhanced air defense capability (FREMM-DA). She is a maritime component of the NATO Response Force (NRF) deployed in the Mediterranean. “The ships in place and the arrival of the Tonnerre give a coherent whole,” assures the General Staff of the Armies.
Source: BFM TV
