One of France's most advanced warships docks in Haifa
"France and Israel hold intensive dialogue on international issues of mutual interest," a statement from the French embassy said.
By SETH J. FRANTZMANLanguedoc FREMM Multipurpose Frigate (Courtesy/French Embassy in Israel)(photo credit: COURTESY/FRENCH EMBASSY IN ISRAEL)
The French frigate Languedoc docked in Haifa last week as part of its tour of the eastern Mediterranean. It accompanied the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, which has also been in the Mediterranean area this month.According to a statement from the French Embassy in Tel Aviv, the visit is part of the frigate’s deployment as part of Operation Chammal, the French contribution to anti-ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria.France is one of the key countries in the 79-partner Operation Inherent Resolve, the war against ISIS. More than 1,000 French troops are taking part in Iraq and Syria. Operation Chammal began in the fall of 2014.Languedoc is an advanced multi-purpose frigate designed for anti-submarine operations. It will eventually be one of eight of its kind, of which six currently exist. Launched in 2014 and commissioned in 2016, its home port is Toulon. It is one of the most advanced ships in the French navy, displacing 6,000 tons and 142 meters long. It carries 120 crew.“France and Israel hold intensive dialogue on international issues of mutual interest. Security cooperation is part of this strategic dialogue. In the maritime sphere, it is especially evident when the French Navy ships are anchored in Israel, which create reciprocal exchanges and interactions,” the French Embassy statement said. French ships frequently anchor at the port of Haifa due to its strategic location and logistic facilities. Last year, the amphibious assault ship Dixmude docked in there.
