Two warships, the Mistral-class landing helicopter dock (LHD) FS Dixmude (L9015) and the La Fayette-class frigate FS Aconit (F 713), and their complement of naval infantry, rotary-wing aviation and drones are set to join Balikatan 2026 according to the French Navy’s announcement covering 2026’s Jeanne D’Arc training mission deployments. The mission will leave France’s primary naval base in Toulon on Feb. 17th.
This will be the first deployment of a large deck French amphibious assault vessel to the multinational drills, which have seen larger and more capable contingents from France to bolster defense ties with the Philippines.
The French Navy’s deployment to the Southeast Asian nation is among several to be held throughout the Indo-Pacific region in this year’s Jeanne D’Arc mission. Designed to acclimate French naval officers with long-term deployments and international trends, 2026’s iteration of five-month-long training mission will include various exercises throughout the region.
France has emerged as one of Manila’s most important partners in military exercises and maritime security assistance. French forces have been a constant in recent Balikatan drills.
Last year also saw Paris commit to the loan and delivery of 40 vessels capable of patrols across Manila’s exclusive economic zones for the Philippine Coast Guard. French shipbuilder Ocea has pledged to construct a yard to build half of the patrol vessels in the Philippines. The company claims that the first vessel will be delivered this year.