A delegation of Malaysian defense officials, led by Defense Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled, visited the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, coinciding with joint air combat exercises with the Royal Malaysian Air Force. This visit highlights the intent to strengthen defense ties between France and Malaysia amid regional military engagements.
On March 2, 2023, a delegation of senior Malaysian defense officials, led by Defense Minister Yang Berhormat Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, visited the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. They were welcomed aboard by French officials, including Ambassador Axel Cruau and Rear Admiral Jacques Mallard, who is the commander of the French Carrier Strike Group.
Accompanying Dato’ Seri Mohamed were key figures from the Malaysian defense sector, such as General Datuk Hj Mohd Nizam bin Hj Jaafar, Chief of Defence Forces, and Admiral Datuk Zulhelmy bin Ithnain, Chief of the Royal Malaysian Navy. This visit emphasized efforts to strengthen defense relations between France and Malaysia.
During the visit, Rear Admiral Mallard briefed the delegation on the capabilities of the Charles de Gaulle and her air wing. In a subsequent Facebook post, Dato’ Seri Mohamed stated that this visit was part of a broader initiative to enhance cooperation in defense matters within the region, particularly with Malaysia.
The timing of the visit coincided with a joint air combat exercise involving the French Navy and the Royal Malaysian Air Force off the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This exercise featured multiple aircraft, including four French Rafales and various Malaysian fighter jets, allowing the Malaysian officials to observe flight operations aboard the carrier.
The French Embassy remarked that these joint exercises improve interoperability and strengthen military cooperation. They noted that such high-level training signifies France’s commitment to deploying military assets in the Indo-Pacific to uphold international law and ensure free access to shared maritime spaces.
Prior to their arrival in Malaysia, the Charles de Gaulle Carrier Strike Group made its first-ever port visit to Subic Bay in the Philippines. Before this visit, the group conducted joint patrol operations in the South China Sea with the Philippine military, highlighting ongoing regional collaborations.
The visit of Malaysian defense officials aboard the Charles de Gaulle underscores the strengthening of defense ties between France and Malaysia. This event, aligned with joint military exercises, exemplifies a strategic commitment to enhancing regional security and cooperation.
Original Source: www.navalnews.com
