The French Navy is in the Philippines to take part in joint maritime activities between Manila, Paris, and Washington in the South China Sea during Balikatan 2024.
The 39th edition of the exercise kicked off today. It will last three weeks and take place in Palawan and Batanes, close to Taiwan and the South China Sea. Balikatan 2024 will also have observers from 14 countries: Brunei, Canada, France, Germany, Great Britain, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.
Balikatan: A first for the French Navy
French Ambassador to the Philippines, Marie Fontanel, received the Floréal-class frigate FS Vendémiaire (F734) in the westernmost Philippine province of Palawan at Puerto Princesa over the weekend. While the Philippine military affirmed France’s participation in the 39th edition of Balikatan two months ago, it was only recently confirmed that Vendémiaire would be the French participant.
Its participation marks France’s first time in joining the Balikatan series of exercises, the largest annual drill held between the U.S. and Philippine militaries. In this year’s iteration, France will sail with the U.S. Navy, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Coast Guard in a “Multilateral Maritime Exercise in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone,” according to a U.S. Embassy in Manila press release.
While the location of the drills has not been defined, many of Balikatan 2024’s activities are taking place near the South China Sea, including an island recapture operation, the establishment of an anti-access/area denial network, and a ship sinking exercise. At least 11 other Philippine and U.S. vessels will be participating in the exercise, including BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), BRP Davao del Sur (LD-602), and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-16). Philippine officials also confirmed the presence of several unidentified ships, including at least six from the Philippine Coast Guard and two from the U.S. Navy, during the activities.
“Vendémiaire’s action will fall within the areas of maritime security and HADR (humanitarian assistance and disaster relief: relief to populations in the event of a natural disaster),” stated France’s Indo-Pacific Command on the frigate’s planned drills during Balikatan. The command further stated that Vendémiaire would deploy its embarked helicopter and conduct maritime domain awareness activities.
Following these activities, Vendémiaire is scheduled to depart the exercise before its completion, with French Indo-Pacific Command stating that the frigate will “exit the exercise on May 4 before it reaches its high-intensity phase.”
Based out of Nouméa, New Caledonia, the modestly-equipped warship has carried out patrol and surveillance missions around France’s Indo-Pacific territories since the 1990s. Alongside other frigates of the class, Vendémiaire holds various maritime security, humanitarian assistance/disaster relief, and goodwill exchanges with partner navies across the region. Last March, sistership FS Prairial (F731) conducted a joint sail with BRP Capones (MRRV-4404) off Luzon.
France and the Philippines have committed to enhancing their defense and security ties amid the ever-increasing tensions between Manila and Beijing in the South China Sea. As China Coast Guard and Maritime Militia ramped up their aggressive conduct against Philippine vessels, Manila has looked to international partners to bolster its defensive capabilities. While these efforts have not seemed to deter Chinese actions so far, many countries, including France, have stepped up their cooperation with the Philippines.
In December, France’s defense minister visited the Philippines and initiated discussions for a potential status of visiting forces agreement, which would allow French forces to hold military exercises and more comprehensive activities on Philippine territory. Separate talks on exploring enhanced military-to-military cooperation and joint defense industrial development were also had.
Paris has also expressed interest in conducting joint patrols with Philippine forces, an activity that would signal support for Manila’s struggles in the South China Sea.
