Force D'action Navale - The Amphibious Group

The Amphibious Group

The French Navy operates four large amphibious ships, which contain smaller landing craft. Aboard are helicopters, troops, and land vehicles (Two Mistral-class amphibious assault ships and two Foudre class ships).

This force also operates five smaller craft which are based in Fort de France, Toulon, Papeete, Nouméa, and La Réunion.

The amphibious groups include one or several landing ships (transports de chalands de débarquement, TCD) containing landing craft (chalands, CDIC and CTM) which allow the projection of inter-arm groups with troops, vehicles and helicopters, and one or several light transport ships (bâtiments de transport léger, BATRAL) which carry motorised infantry companies up to the beaches themselves. They can carry Aérospatiale Puma and Eurocopter Cougar transport helicopters or Aérospatiale Gazelle combat helicopters, the Commandos Marine, minesweeping units, or Army units.

The two TCDs (Foudre and Siroco) also carry field hospitals fitted with operation blocks. The Foudre and Siroco may also carry a full headquarters for any national or international command.

Commander French Maritime Forces (COMFRMARFOR) advises ALFAN, the Admiral in command of the Naval Action Force, and when operational at sea commands from the TCDs.