France sends Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier toward Red Sea

France has redeployed its flagship aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, from the eastern Mediterranean toward the southern Red Sea in what officials describe as a strategic “pre-positioning” move.

The shift was confirmed by France’s Ministry of the Armed Forces and outlined by Minister Delegate Alice Rufo in an interview with BFMTV.

Rufo said the carrier had been operating in the eastern Mediterranean “for a mission to support allies and demonstrate solidarity,” but its redeployment through the Suez Canal into the Red Sea is intended as a “strong signal of France’s readiness to act.”

She added that the move is linked in part to safeguarding maritime security, including freedom of navigation around the Strait of Hormuz.

While emphasising that France is not directly involved in the conflict, Rufo noted that the country “is bearing its consequences,” particularly due to rising fuel prices.

She also stressed the need for diplomatic engagement, saying Paris must “formulate initiatives and demands to the parties to the conflict” aimed at easing tensions and protecting global maritime trade routes.

By Tamilla Hasanova