Surface branch of the French Navy
Naval Action Force Force d'action navale |
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Active | 1992[1] - present |
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Country | France |
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Branch | French Navy |
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Type | Surface warship force |
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Garrison/HQ | Toulon |
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Military unit
The Force d'action navale (FAN, Naval Action Force) is the 9,600-man and about 100-ship force of surface warships of the French Navy. As of August 2023, it is commanded by L’amiral Nicolas Vaujour.
The ships are divided into seven categories:
- The aeronaval group, which has the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle at its core
- The amphibious group, directed by "Projection and Command vessels" (currently ships of the Mistral class)
- Frigates, which act either as protection for the strategic groups, or alone in monitoring, survey, presence, rescue or deterrence missions
- Minesweepers
- "Sovereignty" ships, which are deployed overseas and act as presence and prevention forces
- Support vessels
- Public service ships, hydrographic and oceanographic vessels