28 June 2001 Edition
France arms up for Rapid Reaction Force
France won't be left behind when it comes to the EU Rapid Reaction Force. The government has ordered two ships, the Mistral and the Tonnerre, planned as the backbone of the EU's rapid response capability. They are scheduled to join the French fleet in 2004 and 20005.
These ships can put 450 troops and transport attack helicopters, for air cover, into the field. Each is longer than two football fields. Each will carry 16 vertical-takeoff aircraft, and simultaneously launch Tiger attack helicopters and NH 90 troop transporters. Below deck, each ship will carry 60 amphibious armoured vehicles, which can be launched from an open deck at the stern.
Furthermore, the French estimate the costs of each ship will be cheap at only $250 million, because the vessels are to be produced to commercial rather than military standards. Clearly, the French are intending widespread orders: but from whom and in defence of what?
These ships can put 450 troops and transport attack helicopters, for air cover, into the field. Each is longer than two football fields. Each will carry 16 vertical-takeoff aircraft, and simultaneously launch Tiger attack helicopters and NH 90 troop transporters. Below deck, each ship will carry 60 amphibious armoured vehicles, which can be launched from an open deck at the stern.
Furthermore, the French estimate the costs of each ship will be cheap at only $250 million, because the vessels are to be produced to commercial rather than military standards. Clearly, the French are intending widespread orders: but from whom and in defence of what?