Cooperation on Land, on Water, in Air

Text: Major Enikő Földházi | Photo: First Lieutenant Barna Koncsek | 10:48 May 21, 2024

At the invitation of the French Armed Forces, Commander of EUFOR Operation Althea Major General László Sticz PhD and Deputy Chief of Defence of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina Major General Mirsad Ahmić recently visited the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, flagship of the French Navy, accompanied by François Delmas, Ambassador of France to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The reason for the visit was that the aircraft carrier and the French Carrier Strike Group (CSG) recently participated in the Neptune Strike 24-1 NATO exercise in the Mediterranean. Onboard the flagship, CSG Commander Rear Admiral Jacques Mallard received the delegation, the members of which were deeply impressed by the introduction of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the naval capabilities, as well as by the take-off and landing of the Rafale fighter aircraft.

France is one of the 23 nations participating in the EUFOR peacekeeping mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Although the French contribution does not include any naval forces, besides the permanent French contingent, the Strategic Reserve Force of Operation Althea is currently based on a French battalion.