RMAF Fighter Jets and French FREMM Frigate “Bretagne” Conduct Air Defence Exercise
As part of its extended deployment from April to October this year, the French Navy’s Aquitaine-class FREMM frigate "Bretagne" (D655) made a stop in Kota Kinabalu, following an earlier visit to Manila, Philippines.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), through Air Region Command 2 (MAWILUD 2), conducted an Air Defence Exercise in collaboration with the French Navy’s Aquitaine-class FREMM (Frigate European Multi-Mission) frigate, “Bretagne.”
RMAF social media statement did not reveal the location of the Air Defence Exercise between Malaysia and France but it was believed to be in the South China Sea.
This small-scale exercise was opportunistically organized when the French Navy frigate docked in Kota Kinabalu from September 4 to 7, 2024.
The primary objective of the exercise was to foster partner relationships between the RMAF and the French Navy, based on mutual benefit, trust, and understanding, while establishing Command and Control (C2) training between RMAF fighter units and the French Navy ship.
The RMAF contributed three fighter jets to the exercise, while the French Navy deployed the Aquitaine-class FREMM frigate “Bretagne” and an NH90 helicopter.
The exercise was conducted in two phases.
Phase One involved a coordination briefing between MAWILUD 2, No. 6 Squadron, Squadron 330 Kota Samarahan, the Kota Kinabalu Joint Air Traffic Control Centre, and representatives from the French Navy.
Phase Two featured a Ship Strike Exercise (SSX) between RMAF fighter jets and the French frigate “Bretagne” in the designated training waters. A photography event was held following the conclusion of the training.
Throughout the exercise, the Air Operations Command Headquarters, through MAWILUD 2, acted as the principal coordinator alongside the French Navy, overseeing flight briefings, monitoring, and controlling aircraft movements.
This defense diplomacy collaboration not only enhanced operational efficiency but also strengthened the capabilities of RMAF personnel in conducting maritime missions.
The focused training further reinforced aerial cooperation between the two nations.
As part of its extended deployment from April to October this year, the French Navy’s Aquitaine-class FREMM frigate “Bretagne” (D655) made a stop in Kota Kinabalu, following an earlier visit to Manila, Philippines.
The FREMM frigates were jointly designed by France’s DCNS and Italy’s Fincantieri to replace the aging frigates and destroyers in the navies of both countries.
Currently, the French Navy operates five Aquitaine-class frigates, including “Bretagne,” although the original plan was to build 17 ships of this class.
Commissioned into the French Navy in 2019, the 6,000-tonne, 142-meter-long “Bretagne” is a stealth frigate capable of conducting multiple missions.
It has a crew of 108, a top speed of 28 knots, and an operational range of 6,000 nautical miles. The frigate can also carry an NH-90 anti-submarine warfare helicopter.
The Aquitaine-class frigates are equipped with various weapon systems, including a 76mm main gun, ASTER 15 and ASTER 30 surface-to-air missiles, Naval Cruise Missiles (MdCN, formerly known as SCALP), and EXOCET MM40 anti-ship missiles. — DSA
