Malaysian, French Warships Participate in “La Perouse” Maritime Exercise in the Strait of Malacca

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The French Navy’s air defense destroyer FS Forbin recently made a port call in Penang before resuming its role as an escort vessel for France’s flagship aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle.

During its stop in Penang, several official events were organized, including a formal luncheon and a reception held aboard the ship.

A commemorative ceremony was also conducted to honor the French destroyer “Mousquet”, paying tribute to French sailors who perished on 28 October 1914 during a battle off the coast of Penang.

This week, as part of the #CLEMENCEAU25 mission, the French Navy’s warships will join the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (RMN) KD Lekir and KD Gagah Samudera in the fourth edition of the La Perouse multinational naval exercise at Straits of Malacca.

The La Perouse exercise will bring together naval forces from eight nations—Australia, Canada, France, India, Malaysia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States—to operate jointly.

This comprehensive maritime security exercise will be conducted simultaneously in the Straits of Malacca, Sunda Strait, and Lombok Strait.

In the Strait of Malacca, the French Navy will deploy its air defense destroyer, while the RMN will contribute a corvette and an offshore patrol vessel.

“This exercise will enhance interoperability and further strengthen cooperation mechanisms and processes,” stated the French Embassy in Malaysia in a recent Facebook post.

The La Perouse Naval Exercise is a multinational maritime military exercise led by the French Navy in the Indo-Pacific, aimed at improving cooperation, interoperability, and coordination among participating naval forces in joint maritime operations.

By involving friendly nations in the Indo-Pacific, this exercise demonstrates a shared commitment to ensuring maritime security and regional stability.

La Perouse covers a broad spectrum of maritime military operations, including maritime defense operations to safeguard territorial waters, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) to detect and neutralize underwater threats, and anti-air warfare (AAW) to counter aerial threats.

Additionally, the exercise integrates joint ship and helicopter operations to boost coordination, tactical training and ship maneuvers to strengthen defense strategies, and crisis management and humanitarian assistance for emergency and disaster response.

The Clémenceau Mission is a French Navy maritime military operation centered around the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its escort ships.

It is part of France’s strategic effort to demonstrate its presence and commitment to maritime security in key regions, including the Mediterranean, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and the Indo-Pacific.

The mission aims to showcase France’s dedication to maintaining stability and security in high-risk areas, especially in strategic zones like the Middle East and Indo-Pacific.

Key assets in the Clémenceau Mission include the Charles de Gaulle (R91), France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier that serves as the backbone of its naval force.

The carrier is equipped with Rafale M fighter jets and E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft to extend its strike and surveillance capabilities.

Supporting the mission are various escort vessels, including destroyers, frigates, submarines, and logistical support ships, providing comprehensive security and operational effectiveness.

The mission is further reinforced by combat aircraft and helicopters, such as the Rafale M, NH90 helicopters, and specialized mission aircraft, which play critical roles in strike operations, surveillance, and tactical missions.

The Clémenceau Mission reflects France’s proactive role in safeguarding global security, strengthening diplomatic ties with regional partners, and showcasing its naval capabilities on the international stage. — Defence Security Asia