Subic Bay Carrier Support Potential Praised by French Navy
“Among the Indo-Pacific ports visited by the French Carrier Strike Group (CSG) during its ‘Clemenceau 25’ mission to the region, the French Navy identified Subic Bay in the Philippines to hold the most potential in supporting the nuclear aircraft carrier’s operations throughout the region.”
“The comments made by the Admiral come amid increased defense ties between Paris and Manila, which have been among the most intensive by a European power with the Philippines to date. Philippine and French defense officials outlined their plans for this enhanced cooperation in 2023. Since then, Paris has sent vessels, personnel, and aircraft to partake in multilateral naval drills in the Philippines. France has also pitched submarines, radars and coast guard patrol vessels to support Manila’s military modernization program.”
“The BRF also made a stopover in Darwin, in the north of Australia. Although, like Okinawa, it appears to be a sufficiently important port, the stopover there was more difficult. ‘Darwin is not an easy harbour to manoeuvre in, especially for large vessels. The access is difficult. It’s feasible, but not ideal,’ said an Officer.”
Source: Naval News