Force d'Action Navale
Encyclopedia
The Force d'action navale (FAN, Naval Action Force) is the 12,000-man and about 100-ship strong backbone of the French Navy
. As of 2006, it is commanded by Vice-Amiral d’Escadre Philippe Sautter.
The ships are divided into seven categories:
and Rafale
planes have nuclear capabilities.
At minimum, it contains an aircraft carrier (currently the Charles De Gaulle), an anti-air frigate
, and a support vessel. Typically, this group also includes several anti-air and anti-submarine frigates, an nuclear attack submarine (Rubis class submarines
and the future Barracuda class submarines
), and possibly additional support ships.
The carrier air group can include up to 40 aircraft: Rafale, Super Étendard
and E-2 Hawkeye
planes, and Eurocopter Dauphin
and Aérospatiale Super Frelon
helicopters. This composition varies according to the mission and the tactical environment, and can include aircraft of the Armée
or the Armée de l'Air
.
Like any naval force, the aeronaval group can be assisted by land-based Breguet Atlantique
aircraft.
One of the aeronaval group's deployments was to take part in the initial attacks on Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan
as part of what became the War in Afghanistan
, in response to the September 11th attacks
. The group, designated Task Force
473 for the operation, comprised 2,900 men under the command of Contre-Amiral
François Cluzel and sailed in December 2001. It consisted of the nuclear aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates La Motte-Picquet, Jean de Vienne, Jean Bart, the nuclear attack submarine Rubis, the tanker Meuse, and the aviso
Commandant Ducuing
. The Indian Ocean
region deployment lasted for seven months before the group returned to France
in mid-2002.
The number 473 seems to be semi-permanently assigned to the Charles de Gaulle and its task group, being used again during Operation Agapanthe in 2004.
During the 2011 Libyan uprising, the French carrier battle group commanded from Charles de Gaulle was designated Task Force 473 and was under the command of Vice-Admiral Phillippe Coindreau. Coindreau was promoted to contre-amiral in September 2009, and he was named deputy commandant of the aéro-maritime force of rapid réaction at Toulon
. In English-language reports, he was described as deputy commander of the High Readiness Force Maritime Headquarter.
class ships).
This force also operates five smaller craft which are based in Fort de France, Toulon
, Papeete
, Nouméa
, and La Réunion
.
The amphibious groups include one or several landing ships (transports de chalands de débarquement, TCD) containing landing craft (chalands, CDIC and CTM) which allow the projection of inter-arm groups with troops, vehicles and helicopters, and one or several light transport ships (bâtiments de transport léger, BATRAL
) which carry motorised infantry companies up to the beaches themselves. They can carry Aérospatiale Puma
and Eurocopter Cougar
transport helicopters or Aérospatiale Gazelle
combat helicopters, the Commandos Marine
, minesweeping units, or Army units.
The two TCDs (Foudre and Siroco) also carry field hospitals fitted with operation blocks. The Foudre and Siroco may also carry a full headquarters for any national or international command.
Commander French Maritime Forces (COMFRMARFOR) advises ALFAN, the Admiral in command of the Naval Action Force, and when operational at sea commands from the TCDs.
The minesweepers secure major French harbours, especially for the ballistic-missile submarines in Brest
, and the attack submarines in Toulon
. They also stay available to secure access to Toulon
, Marseille
, any of the harbours of the Atlantic coast, and any Allied harbour simultaneously.
They are designed to be used within a larger group, interallied or international, in case of mine risks near coasts.
In peace time, these units can bring help and assistance to civilian ships, or search wrecks.
This force includes 1,100 men and:
There are six Floreal class frigate
s to perform these tasks, mainly by controlling the large French Exclusive Economic Zone
, patrolling ocean waters, carrying out police action, and monitoring fishing activities. They are designed to operate in low-risk environments. Five are presently based overseas.
The patrol boats of the Gendarmerie Maritime carry out police actions at sea.
The five bâtiments de transports légers (BATRAL
) are also used to carry supplies in the DOM
/TOM
.
These ships are integrated into tactical groups. They shuttle between harbours and fleets, giving them months of operational capabilities by feeding fuel, ammunitions, food, water, spare parts and mail.
There is also one permanent mechanics ship, the Jules Verne, which can repair other ships.
The trial and measurement ship Monge is used to develop new weapon systems, especially those related to nuclear deterrence.
French Navy
The French Navy, officially the Marine nationale and often called La Royale is the maritime arm of the French military. It includes a full range of fighting vessels, from patrol boats to a nuclear powered aircraft carrier and 10 nuclear-powered submarines, four of which are capable of launching...
. As of 2006, it is commanded by Vice-Amiral d’Escadre Philippe Sautter.
The ships are divided into seven categories:
- The aeronaval group, which has the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle at its core
- The amphibiousAmphibious warfareAmphibious warfare is the use of naval firepower, logistics and strategy to project military power ashore. In previous eras it stood as the primary method of delivering troops to non-contiguous enemy-held terrain...
group, based around the "Projection and Command vessels" (currently ships of the Mistral or FoudreFoudre class landing platform dockThe Foudre type vessels are landing platforms of the French Navy.They carry large stowage areas which can be used to ferry battle tanks and vehicles, a 52-ton elevating platform, a lateral ramp and a flight deck able to simultaneously operate several helicopters.Three rotations of such ships can...
classes) - FrigateFrigateA frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
s, which act either as protection for the strategic groups, or alone in monitoring, survey, presence, rescue or deterrence missions - MinesweepersMinesweeper (ship)A minesweeper is a small naval warship designed to counter the threat posed by naval mines. Minesweepers generally detect then neutralize mines in advance of other naval operations.-History:...
- "Sovereignty" ships, which are deployed overseas and act as presence and prevention forces
- Support vessels
- Public service ships, and hydrographic and oceanographic vessels
The aeronaval group
The aeronaval group is the main French Navy power projection force. It is also one of the components of the nuclear deterrence forces, since the embarked Super ÉtendardDassault Super Étendard
The Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard is a French carrier-borne strike fighter aircraft designed for service with the French Navy...
and Rafale
Dassault Rafale
The Dassault Rafale is a French twin-engine delta-wing multi-role jet fighter aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation. Introduced in 2000, the Rafale is being produced both for land-based use with the French Air Force and for carrier-based operations with the French Navy...
planes have nuclear capabilities.
At minimum, it contains an aircraft carrier (currently the Charles De Gaulle), an anti-air frigate
Frigate
A frigate is any of several types of warship, the term having been used for ships of various sizes and roles over the last few centuries.In the 17th century, the term was used for any warship built for speed and maneuverability, the description often used being "frigate-built"...
, and a support vessel. Typically, this group also includes several anti-air and anti-submarine frigates, an nuclear attack submarine (Rubis class submarines
Rubis class submarine
The Rubis type is a class of first-generation nuclear attack submarines of the French Navy. They are the most compact nuclear attack submarines to date.All submarines of the class are named after gemstones.-History:...
and the future Barracuda class submarines
Barracuda class submarines
The Barracuda class is a planned nuclear attack submarine class of the French Navy, designed by the French shipbuilder DCNS to replace the Rubis-class submarines....
), and possibly additional support ships.
The carrier air group can include up to 40 aircraft: Rafale, Super Étendard
Dassault Super Étendard
The Dassault-Breguet Super Étendard is a French carrier-borne strike fighter aircraft designed for service with the French Navy...
and E-2 Hawkeye
E-2 Hawkeye
The Grumman E-2 Hawkeye is an American all-weather, aircraft carrier-capable tactical airborne early warning aircraft. This twin-turboprop aircraft was designed and developed during the late 1950s and early 1960s by the Grumman Aircraft Company for the United States Navy as a replacement for the...
planes, and Eurocopter Dauphin
Eurocopter Dauphin
The Eurocopter SA 365/AS365 Dauphin 2 is a medium-weight multipurpose twin-engine helicopter manufactured by Eurocopter .-Design and development:...
and Aérospatiale Super Frelon
Aérospatiale Super Frelon
The Aérospatiale SA 321 Super Frelon is a three-engined heavy transport helicopter produced by Aérospatiale of France. The helicopter is still in use in China where the locally produced version is known as the Z-8. "Frelon" is French for hornet....
helicopters. This composition varies according to the mission and the tactical environment, and can include aircraft of the Armée
French Army
The French Army, officially the Armée de Terre , is the land-based and largest component of the French Armed Forces.As of 2010, the army employs 123,100 regulars, 18,350 part-time reservists and 7,700 Legionnaires. All soldiers are professionals, following the suspension of conscription, voted in...
or the Armée de l'Air
French Air Force
The French Air Force , literally Army of the Air) is the air force of the French Armed Forces. It was formed in 1909 as the Service Aéronautique, a service arm of the French Army, then was made an independent military arm in 1933...
.
Like any naval force, the aeronaval group can be assisted by land-based Breguet Atlantique
Breguet Atlantique
The Breguet Br.1150 Atlantic is a long-range reconnaissance aircraft, primarily designed for use over the sea. It is used in several NATO countries as a reconnaissance and patrol aircraft as well as anti-submarine aircraft. The Atlantic is also capable of carrying air-to-ground missiles...
aircraft.
One of the aeronaval group's deployments was to take part in the initial attacks on Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan
Afghanistan
Afghanistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, is a landlocked country located in the centre of Asia, forming South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. With a population of about 29 million, it has an area of , making it the 42nd most populous and 41st largest nation in the world...
as part of what became the War in Afghanistan
War in Afghanistan (2001–present)
The War in Afghanistan began on October 7, 2001, as the armed forces of the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the Afghan United Front launched Operation Enduring Freedom...
, in response to the September 11th attacks
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
. The group, designated Task Force
Task force
A task force is a unit or formation established to work on a single defined task or activity. Originally introduced by the United States Navy, the term has now caught on for general usage and is a standard part of NATO terminology...
473 for the operation, comprised 2,900 men under the command of Contre-Amiral
Counter Admiral
Counter admiral is a rank found in many navies of the world, but no longer used in English-speaking countries, where the equivalent rank is rear admiral...
François Cluzel and sailed in December 2001. It consisted of the nuclear aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates La Motte-Picquet, Jean de Vienne, Jean Bart, the nuclear attack submarine Rubis, the tanker Meuse, and the aviso
Aviso
An aviso , a kind of dispatch boat or advice boat, survives particularly in the French navy, they are considered equivalent to the modern sloop....
Commandant Ducuing
D'Estienne d'Orves class
The A69 type Avisos are small warships mainly designed for coastal anti-submarine defence, but are also available for high sea escort missions . Built on a simple and robust design, they have an economical and reliable propulsion system which allows them to be used for overseas presence missions...
. The Indian Ocean
Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean is the third largest of the world's oceanic divisions, covering approximately 20% of the water on the Earth's surface. It is bounded on the north by the Indian Subcontinent and Arabian Peninsula ; on the west by eastern Africa; on the east by Indochina, the Sunda Islands, and...
region deployment lasted for seven months before the group returned to France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
in mid-2002.
The number 473 seems to be semi-permanently assigned to the Charles de Gaulle and its task group, being used again during Operation Agapanthe in 2004.
During the 2011 Libyan uprising, the French carrier battle group commanded from Charles de Gaulle was designated Task Force 473 and was under the command of Vice-Admiral Phillippe Coindreau. Coindreau was promoted to contre-amiral in September 2009, and he was named deputy commandant of the aéro-maritime force of rapid réaction at Toulon
Toulon
Toulon is a town in southern France and a large military harbor on the Mediterranean coast, with a major French naval base. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region, Toulon is the capital of the Var department in the former province of Provence....
. In English-language reports, he was described as deputy commander of the High Readiness Force Maritime Headquarter.
The amphibious group
The French Navy operates four large amphibious ships, which contain smaller landing craft. Aboard are helicopters, troops, and land vehicles (Two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships and two FoudreFoudre class landing platform dock
The Foudre type vessels are landing platforms of the French Navy.They carry large stowage areas which can be used to ferry battle tanks and vehicles, a 52-ton elevating platform, a lateral ramp and a flight deck able to simultaneously operate several helicopters.Three rotations of such ships can...
class ships).
This force also operates five smaller craft which are based in Fort de France, Toulon
Military port of Toulon
The military port of Toulon is the principal base of the French Navy, sited in the city of Toulon. It holds most of France's force d'action navale, comprising the aircraft carriers Charles de Gaulle as well as its nuclear attack submarines, in total more than 60% of the tonnage of the French...
, Papeete
Papeete
-Sights:* Interactive Google map of Papeete, to discover the 30 major tourist attractions in Papeete downtown.*The waterfront esplanade*Bougainville Park -Sights:* Interactive Google map of Papeete, to discover the 30 major tourist attractions in Papeete downtown.*The waterfront...
, Nouméa
Nouméa
Nouméa is the capital city of the French territory of New Caledonia. It is situated on a peninsula in the south of New Caledonia's main island, Grande Terre, and is home to the majority of the island's European, Polynesian , Indonesian, and Vietnamese populations, as well as many Melanesians,...
, and La Réunion
La Reunion
La Reunion may refer to:* La Reunion , a communal settlement near present-day Dallas, Texas*La Réunion, Lot-et-Garonne, a town in the Lot-et-Garonne department of France*Réunion, an island in the Indian Ocean east of Madagascar...
.
The amphibious groups include one or several landing ships (transports de chalands de débarquement, TCD) containing landing craft (chalands, CDIC and CTM) which allow the projection of inter-arm groups with troops, vehicles and helicopters, and one or several light transport ships (bâtiments de transport léger, BATRAL
BATRAL
The Bâtiment de Transport Léger are small landing ships of the French Navy. They are able to ferry over 400 tons of matériel, in the hangar and on the deck. Loading and unloading can be done from a harbour or from a beach. Two flat-bottom vessels allow unloading 50 men and light vehicles each...
) which carry motorised infantry companies up to the beaches themselves. They can carry Aérospatiale Puma
Aérospatiale Puma
The Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma is a four-bladed, twin-engined medium transport/utility helicopter. The Puma was originally manufactured by Sud Aviation of France.-Development:...
and Eurocopter Cougar
Eurocopter Cougar
-See also:-External links:* *...
transport helicopters or Aérospatiale Gazelle
Aérospatiale Gazelle
The Aérospatiale Gazelle is a five-seat light helicopter, powered by a single turbine engine. It was designed and manufactured in France by Sud Aviation . It was also manufactured under licence by Westland Aircraft in the United Kingdom , by SOKO in Yugoslavia and ABHCO in Egypt...
combat helicopters, the Commandos Marine
Naval commandos (France)
The Naval Commandos are the special forces of the French Navy. They are made up of ~500 members, mostly based in northwestern France , with several bases across the country for specific training needs. The Naval Commandos are nicknamed bérets verts . Their qualification training is one of the...
, minesweeping units, or Army units.
The two TCDs (Foudre and Siroco) also carry field hospitals fitted with operation blocks. The Foudre and Siroco may also carry a full headquarters for any national or international command.
Frigates
The frigates are the backbone of the French surface fleet. They secure aero-naval space and allow free action to the other components of the Navy. They are specialised according to the threat, typically escorting other forces (aeronaval or amphibious groups, submarines or civil ships).- The nine anti-submarine frigates (2 F67Tourville class frigateThe F67 type is a class of large high-sea Destroyers of the French Navy specialised in anti-submarine warfare. They have anti-air and anti-surface capabilities....
+ 7 F70Georges Leygues class frigateThe Georges Leygues class is a class of anti-submarine frigates of the French Navy. They are polyvalent , due to their Exocet and Crotale missile complement, making them especially suitable for defence of strategic positions, demonstrations, or highseas escorts.The superstructures were built as to...
type frigates) are designed to protect the oceanic strategic fleet (FOSTFoštFošt is a settlement at the foothills of the Pohorje range to the west if Slovenska Bistrica municipality in northeastern Slovenia. The area is part of the traditional region of Lower Styria. It is now included with the rest of the Slovenska Bistrica municipality into the Podravje statistical...
, ballistic-missile submarines) and the aeronaval group against submarine threats. They carry towed sonars and helicopters, and have anti-ship and anti-air capabilities.
- The A-69 AvisosD'Estienne d'Orves classThe A69 type Avisos are small warships mainly designed for coastal anti-submarine defence, but are also available for high sea escort missions . Built on a simple and robust design, they have an economical and reliable propulsion system which allows them to be used for overseas presence missions...
are designed to counter conventional submarines, especially in coastal defence.
- The 2 anti-air frigates (CassardCassard class frigateThe Cassard class is a class of AA frigates of the French Navy. The class is an air defence variant of the Georges Leygues class. The two classes have a different armament and propulsion system mounted on an identical hull. Their primary role is to provide air cover for a fleet, an aeronaval...
types) are designed to protect the aeronaval group against air threats and missiles with Tartar SM1 missiles. They also carry helicopters which can be used for anti-submarine warfare.
- The five La Fayette-classLa Fayette class frigateThe La Fayette class units are light multi-mission frigates built by DCN and operated by French Marine Nationale...
frigates are used primarily as presence ships, to patrol national and international waters, and to take part in dispute settlement outside of Europe. They can therefore act in cooperation with international intervention, protection, special operation or humanitarian missions. They carry Eurocopter Panther helicopters.
Minesweepers
Brest, France
Brest is a city in the Finistère department in Brittany in northwestern France. Located in a sheltered position not far from the western tip of the Breton peninsula, and the western extremity of metropolitan France, Brest is an important harbour and the second French military port after Toulon...
, and the attack submarines in Toulon
Toulon
Toulon is a town in southern France and a large military harbor on the Mediterranean coast, with a major French naval base. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region, Toulon is the capital of the Var department in the former province of Provence....
. They also stay available to secure access to Toulon
Toulon
Toulon is a town in southern France and a large military harbor on the Mediterranean coast, with a major French naval base. Located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d'Azur region, Toulon is the capital of the Var department in the former province of Provence....
, Marseille
Marseille
Marseille , known in antiquity as Massalia , is the second largest city in France, after Paris, with a population of 852,395 within its administrative limits on a land area of . The urban area of Marseille extends beyond the city limits with a population of over 1,420,000 on an area of...
, any of the harbours of the Atlantic coast, and any Allied harbour simultaneously.
They are designed to be used within a larger group, interallied or international, in case of mine risks near coasts.
In peace time, these units can bring help and assistance to civilian ships, or search wrecks.
This force includes 1,100 men and:
- 13 minesweepers
- 3 minesweeping diver groups for shallow waters.
- Several sonar ships which secure the area around Brest harbour
- One command and support ship
Sovereignty vessels
These vessels secure access to harbours and carry out police missions.There are six Floreal class frigate
Floréal class frigate
The Floréal class is a type of light "surveillance frigates" designed for the needs of the French Navy after the end of the Cold War, ordered in 1989. They use construction standards of commercial ships...
s to perform these tasks, mainly by controlling the large French Exclusive Economic Zone
Exclusive Economic Zone
Under the law of the sea, an exclusive economic zone is a seazone over which a state has special rights over the exploration and use of marine resources, including production of energy from water and wind. It stretches from the seaward edge of the state's territorial sea out to 200 nautical...
, patrolling ocean waters, carrying out police action, and monitoring fishing activities. They are designed to operate in low-risk environments. Five are presently based overseas.
The patrol boats of the Gendarmerie Maritime carry out police actions at sea.
The five bâtiments de transports légers (BATRAL
BATRAL
The Bâtiment de Transport Léger are small landing ships of the French Navy. They are able to ferry over 400 tons of matériel, in the hangar and on the deck. Loading and unloading can be done from a harbour or from a beach. Two flat-bottom vessels allow unloading 50 men and light vehicles each...
) are also used to carry supplies in the DOM
Département d'outre-mer
An overseas department is a department of France that is outside metropolitan France. They have the same political status as metropolitan departments. As integral parts of France and the European Union, overseas departments are represented in the National Assembly, Senate, and Economic and Social...
/TOM
Territoire d'outre-mer
The term overseas territory , is an administrative division of France and is currently only applied to the French Southern and Antarctic Lands....
.
Support ships
The four support ships allow the French naval forces to be present anywhere on the planet, regardless of the remoteness of their bases.These ships are integrated into tactical groups. They shuttle between harbours and fleets, giving them months of operational capabilities by feeding fuel, ammunitions, food, water, spare parts and mail.
There is also one permanent mechanics ship, the Jules Verne, which can repair other ships.
Hydrographic and océanographic vessels
One hydro-oceanographic and four hydrographic ships help carrying out mapping and research operations, as well as gathering intelligence which could prove useful to the deployment of naval forces and their weapon systems. They operate under the service hydrographique et océanographique de la marine (SHOM).The trial and measurement ship Monge is used to develop new weapon systems, especially those related to nuclear deterrence.