French maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft and French Navy warships are currently deployed in the Horn of Africa region as part of France’s commitment to strengthen maritime security in the region.

Should a piracy incident happen at sea, EU NAVFOR warships and French Forces will often work together to help protect seafarers and vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean.

Speaking about the French Forces’ cooperation with Operation Atalanta, the Commander of the French Forces deployed in the Indian Ocean, Rear Admiral Didier Piaton, said:

“As joint commander of the French forces deployed in the Indian Ocean, I have operational control of French units when they are deployed to the operational area.  Should there be a piracy-related incident, I can, depending on the need or circumstance, send assets, such as warships and maritime patrol aircraft to take part in an EU NAVFOR operation, under the control of the TF645.  This occurred just a few months ago when I ordered French Navy frigate, FS Courbet, to assist EU NAVFOR by providing much-needed reassurance to the merchant vessel, MV Aris 13, after she had been held for four days by suspected armed pirates.”