The French Navy has commenced its Jeanne d’Arc 2026 deployment, sending the amphibious assault ship FS Dixmude (L9015) and frigate FS Aconit (F713) from Toulon Naval Base on a mission that will span five months and cover significant regions including the Middle East, East Africa, and the Indo-Pacific.
This annual deployment, named after the historic cruisers Jeanne d’Arc, serves dual purposes: it concludes the training for cadets of the French Naval Academy while also enhancing France’s operational presence in areas of strategic importance. The French Ministry for the Armed Forces and Veterans noted the mission’s significance in its recent press release, emphasizing the completion of training for both French and international cadet officers.
Deployment Goals and Activities
The Jeanne d’Arc 2026 task group aims to engage in various military exercises during its tour. Key exercises include the U.S.-Philippines Balikatan 2026 and the French-led La Perouse 2026 exercises, designed to showcase French military capabilities in amphibious operations and joint military engagements. According to the press release, these activities will promote cooperation with partner nations and reinforce France’s commitment to freedom of navigation and adherence to international maritime law.
Additionally, the task group will focus on combating drug trafficking and piracy, while also conducting sovereignty missions within French Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs). The deployment may see further ships integrated into the task group to bolster its capabilities.
The Jeanne d’Arc mission is adaptable, with the French Navy altering its geographical focus each year. Last year, for example, the task group operated off the west coast of Africa before shifting to exercises in Brazil and other locations across the Atlantic.
Personnel and Equipment Overview
A total of 837 military personnel will participate in this deployment, including 515 sailors, 162 cadet officers, and 160 soldiers from the French Army’s tactical group. The French Navy is also deploying an aviation detachment featuring a Dauphin helicopter and an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) detachment equipped with S-100 Camcopter drones to enhance surveillance and operational capabilities.
The embarked tactical group includes a dedicated infantry unit primarily drawn from the 3rd Marine Infantry Regiment, equipped with 30 vehicles and a 60-personnel air combat group that includes various helicopters. This combination is expected to significantly increase the operational effectiveness of the Jeanne d’Arc mission.
The task group is currently navigating the Mediterranean and will first dock at Port Safaga, Egypt for bilateral activities with the Egyptian Armed Forces. Future port visits are planned for Mombasa, Kenya, and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with enforcement operations around the French islands of Mayotte also scheduled.
Following these engagements, the task group will participate in the regional exercise Papangue 26 in the Indian Ocean before continuing its journey to Indonesia, with planned stops in Jakarta and Bali.
The Jeanne d’Arc 2026 deployment reflects France’s strategic military interests across multiple regions, aiming to strengthen alliances and promote regional security while serving as a comprehensive training experience for future naval leaders. This intricate mission underscores the French Navy’s ongoing commitment to international cooperation and maritime security.
