The Charles de Gaulle class is France’s nuclear-powered fleet flagship. Equipped with catapults and arresting gear, it supports full operations with Rafale fighters and E-2 Hawkeye aircraft for extended strike, air defense, and carrier-based missions.
Deployment Began: Tue Jan 27, 2026
Deployment Ended: Fri Jul 10, 2026
Days Deployed: 164 days
Deployment Location: Southern Red Sea / Gulf of Aden and Strait of Hormuz operations (May-July 2026)
Post-Deployment Location: Mediterranean Sea, en route to Toulon
Mission: Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group returning to Toulon after Lafayette 26 was rerouted from Atlantic and High North operations to the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and Strait of Hormuz region in response to Middle East security developments.