Rough translation from the French Marine Nationale site :
"According to the french Attached shipyard in London and Washington, the average number of days at sea of its units is even much higher than the U.S. Navy and the Royal Navy. Thus, in 2006, each french submarine sailed, on average, 137 days a year, compared with 94 days for British submersibles and 75 for the US units. Only aircraft carrier in service, the Charles de Gaulle operated, in turn, 140 days in the past year, compared to 56 days on average for each British carrier and 84 for the 12 U.S. aircraft carrier. The frigates of the Navy ahead also their colleagues abroad, with 108 days at sea, compared with 101 days for the Royal Navy and 73 for the US Navy. The difference comes with the largest fleet of amphibious tricolor, including the four units were highly sought in 2006: 168 days at sea on average for each vessel, as against 76 for Britain and 67 for the Americans. The security forces have mine warfare, it achieved an average of 77 days at sea, compared with respectively 62 and 41 days.
Only in the area of support vessels that the Royal Navy is better, with 111 days at sea, compared with 102 days of the French and 30 days of the Americans."
The French Navy said that far to wear off the Ships , the high number of days spent at sea provide a highly qualified personal .
On another topic , the SSBN "Le Temeraire" will be back at sea in january 2008 with its 16 M45s nuclear ballistic missiles (France has always 2 SSBNs on patrol at any time).
The Le Temeraire "technical stop" lasted only 21 months (31 before for the 1st Triomphant) and did cost 20% less than the first refit .
In 2010 , 3 SSBNs will be loaded with the new M51 nuclear ballistic missile while the submarines will have a brand new electronic system as well as an updated combat system .
The MN site also stated that an agreement has been reached and made with the UK regarding the futur aircraft carriers . It is going to be a coordinated effort to develop , build , buy and share many common systems for the carriers . That will reduce cost and emphase the inter-operability between the 2 navies .
France is launching the second carrier project this winter (hopefully) and the carrier will be part of the 2008 budget .
The new 7050 tons Frigate "Chevalier Paul" (Horizon Class) is now completing her sea trials and will be operational in June next year . The ship 's weaponry include 32 ASTER-30 missiles , 16 ASTER-15 missiles , 8 MM40 Exocet missiles , 2 76mm cannons , 2 20mm cannons and 2 torpido tubes for the MU90 torpido . A NH90 combat chopper will be carried onboard .
Her sistership will be operational a year later (2010) .
All in all , everythings looks good for the French Navy .
Cheers . |