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The frigate Augsburg will join the Charles-de-Gaulle. The Germans provide support

FrigateAugsburgF213@DE15(B2) The German frigate augsburg (F-213) will join the naval action group created around the aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle in charge of strikes in Syria. The German Navy has just confirmed this. The Bundestag – the German chamber of deputies – authorized today (December 4) the commitment of the Bundeswehr to support the actions of France against the organization of the Islamic State (Daesh) in Syria or Iraq.

A solidarity approach

Very clearly, the Germans show, in fact, that this commitment comes in support of France " within the framework of the duty of assistance between the Member States of the European Union under Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty and United Nations Resolution 2249 of November 20, which enjoins all nations, “ to take the necessary measures to fight against Daesh in Syria and Iraq. At the national level, it is Article 24 (2) of the Basic Law which provides for the rules of a system of mutual collective security which is applicable.

Reconnaissance, supply, navy and satellites

The German engagement includes the use of Tornado aircraft (without carrying out bombing raids), but equipped with tracking systems RecceLite, Airbus A330 MRTT type in-flight refuellers, to refuel the raids carried out by the French (or the other planes of the coalition, in particular the British), as well as a frigate and a refueller. A total of 1200 men: 150 for in-flight refueling, 400 to 500 for reconnaissance and surveillance, 300 for protection at sea and 50 additional support personnel.

An approach prepared closely between the two navies

« Shortly after the Paris attacks I went to see my French colleague, Admiral Bernard Rogel. I'm sure that our contribution is considered in high esteem in France Says Vice Admiral Andreas Krause, Chief Inspector of the Navy. This officially confirms the remarks of a senior German defense official who, off the record, told us, as of November 17, that discussions would be initiated intensively between the various Franco-German, diplomatic and military levels in the days next for a decision within 15 days. The Germans have kept their word! (read : The mutual defense clause activated. The allies are mobilizing. A historic first).

A deliberate commitment

The Germans do not hide the objective of this operation " Il is extremely important that the Navy fight on the side of the West against the barbaric violence of Islamist terrorist groups thus assures Vice-Admiral Krause. " The attacks in Tunisia, Turkey, Lebanon, against Russia and especially in Paris have shown that the terrorist group of the Islamic State goes far beyond the area currently controlled by it in the regions in Syria and Iraq but constitutes also a global threat to peace and public safety says the statement from the German Navy. 

Near the Charles de Gaulle from the Mediterranean to the Arabian Sea

The frigate augsburg (F-213) is today in the central Mediterranean, engaged in the European operation against traffickers in the Mediterranean EUNAVFOR Med / Sophia but will be replaced, in this function, by the minehunter Weilheim who already joined the European force a few days ago. The mandate given to this ship will not be limited to the current area of ​​the French aircraft carrier. It will have as an area of ​​action " mainly the maritime area of the Eastern Mediterranean, the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea and the surrounding seas ». She will therefore very quickly join the Charles de Gaulle, in " the next few days they say to the German Navy. Then it will pass, through the Suez Canal, in the Arabian Sea, where " French planes will continue their commitment ».

A supply ship

The German Navy is used to accompanying aircraft carriers and is quite well prepared for this task. On several occasions, its frigates ensured the protection of American aircraft carriers, particularly in the Gulf. A class support and supply ship Bremen should also join the Naval Action Group. Two other European ships are already engaged alongside the Charles-de-Gaulle, the British anti-aircraft frigate HMS Respondent (D-36) and the Belgian frigate Leopold I.

Satellites to the rescue

Germany is also making its SAR-Lupe satellite system available to France. It is complementary to the (French) Helios satellite system, which provides optical (photographic) images. SAR-Lupe makes it possible to have " three-dimensional radar images from space, completely independent of daylight and weather ". The two systems complement each other to form a complete picture of the situation” it is said in Bonn, where the control station of the five SAR-Lupe satellites deployed is located.

(NGV)

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Nicolas Gros Verheyde

Chief editor of the B2 site. Graduated in European law from the University of Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne and listener to the 65th session of the IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale. Journalist since 1989, founded B2 - Bruxelles2 in 2008. EU/NATO correspondent in Brussels for Sud-Ouest (previously West-France and France-Soir).

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