French military confirms deployment of helicopter carrier to Mediterranean

France has deployed the helicopter carrier Le Tonnerre (L9014) to the Mediterranean Sea, where it is set to join the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle (R91), which is already operating in the area.

The move was announced by the French Armed Forces General Staff, according to the broadcaster BFMTV.

The statement formally confirmed earlier media reports, which had circulated unofficially, about the planned deployment of Le Tonnerre to the Mediterranean.

A spokesperson for the General Staff said the vessel is being sent to reinforce France’s military presence as tensions escalate in the Middle East.

By Tamilla Hasanova