French Carrier Strike Group to Make First Ever Stop in Philippines’ Subic Bay

The French carrier strike group (CSG), led by the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, is set to arrive in Subic Bay and Manila on February 22 as part of its Clemenceau 25 mission in the Indo-Pacific, the French Embassy in Manila announced.

The visit marks the first stopover in the Philippines for the CSG, which includes two multi-mission destroyers, an air defense destroyer, and the auxiliary oil replenishment ship Jacques Chevallier. Before its arrival, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will conduct air interactions with the carrier’s embarked Rafale fighter jets. Additionally, a CSG destroyer will take part in a bilateral engagement with the Philippine Navy’s BRP José Rizal and BRP Gregorio del Pilar.

Since February 5, an Atlantique 2 (ATL2) maritime patrol aircraft from the CSG has been stationed at Clark Air Base to support the strike group’s activities. The ATL2 detachment has already conducted multiple exchanges with PAF officers, reinforcing bilateral military cooperation.

The French Embassy highlighted that the visit underscores both nations’ commitment to maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, where they share economic interests and security concerns. France and the Philippines have increased their military interactions, including joint exercises such as Sama Sama, Croix du Sud, Marara, and Balikatan. The Clemenceau 25 deployment follows previous engagements, including the participation of the French frigate Vendémiaire in Balikatan 2024 and the visits of the French destroyer Bretagne in Manila and the frigate Prairial in Cebu.

This visit aligns with the December 2023 letter of intent signed between Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and French Minister of the Armed Forces Sébastien Lecornu, aimed at deepening military cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Air Force is reportedly advancing plans to establish a forward operating base at Subic Bay International Airport. The facility, previously a U.S. naval air station, will support joint air-sea-land operations and enhance surveillance in the South China Sea. Initial $2.5 million bids cover housing and security upgrades, with future expansions planned for fighter jets, missile storage, and surveillance aircraft. U.S. assistance, including drone deployments, has strengthened the Philippines' monitoring capabilities in the region amid ongoing tensions with China.