France shows off military might as Auvergne warship to be deployed in eastern Mediterranean
- The warship, with its 150-strong crew, will be deployed there until January to gather intelligence
- The Auvergne was commissioned three years ago. It has advanced sonar equipment and specialises in anti-submarine warfare
France on Monday showcased its military muscle with a tour of its new frigate Auvergne in the eastern Mediterranean, seeking to underscore what the ship’s captain said was the importance that Paris attaches to ensuring security and stability in the region.
Captain Paul Merveilleux de Vignaux said the Auvergne with its 150-strong crew would be deployed in the eastern Mediterranean until January to gather intelligence in order to “show how the respect of international law and especially freedom of navigation matters” to France.
“This deployment underlines how important France considers this part of the Mediterranean Sea,” as well as the country’s “willingness to contribute to the stabilisation of this strategic area”, De Vignaux told reporters at the Cypriot port of Larnaca.
The Auvergne was commissioned three years ago. It has advanced sonar equipment and specialises in anti-submarine warfare.
De Vignaux said this is the 12th time that the Auvergne has visited Cyprus, which he called as key to supporting French naval operations in the region.
“There can’t be efficient and sustainable naval operations without support and Cyprus is the centrepiece of it,” De Vignaux said.
