French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier docks in Darwin on diplomacy mission

France’s second largest warship has docked in Darwin, as part of an operation in the Indo Pacific to shore up allies, talk strategy, and strengthen French diplomacy in the region. SEE THE PICS.

French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.

France’s second largest warship has docked in Darwin, as part of an operation in the Indo Pacific to shore up allies, talk strategy, and strengthen French diplomacy in the region.

The Jacques Chevalier is accompanying France’s largest naval ship, the Charles de Gaulle nuclear powered aircraft carrier, in a five-month deployment dubbed Clemenceau 25.

As a supply ship, the Jacques Chevalier carries supplies and undertakes maintenance to allow other vessels in the fleet to remain at sea.

The 198m, 30,000 tonne ship broke away from her mission group for the Darwin visit, offering a chance for senior military and political officials from the two nations to meet.

French deputy ambassador Guillaume Dabouis said the embassy was proud to welcome the Jacques Chevallier on her first port visit to Darwin.

“Following successful exercises between Rafale Marine aircraft from Charles de Gaulle and the RAAF last week, this visit reaffirms the strength of our defence co-operation with Australia and our shared commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” Mr Dabouis said.

“As a gateway between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Darwin exemplifies Australia’s strategic role in the region.”

French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.

From January 16 to 24 France led exercise La Perouse, the first major multinational exercise on the ADF’s 2025 calendar.

It involved ships from eight navies – France, Australia, Canada, the United States, India, Malaysia, the United Kingdom, and Singapore – training together in the Malacca, Sunda and Lombok straits.

The Royal Australian Air Force has also joined with its French counterpart for exercise Rastaban.

Up to three Dassault Rafale aircraft deployed to Darwin skies from the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, to conduct air engagement training alongside Australia’s F-35A Lightning II aircraft.

French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Defence Special Envoy and Solomon MP Luke Gosling said France’s visit was testament to our “strong and growing relationship”.

“It underscores our shared commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific and highlights the strength of our defence ties,” Mr Gosling said.

“Australia’s participation in multinational exercises like La Perouse 25 and the visit of French naval assets to Darwin reinforce our deepening relationships with key regional partners.

“It was a privilege to tour the FS Chevallier and meet with French naval officers.

“These interactions provide an invaluable opportunity to strengthen the relationship between Australia and France, furthering our shared goals of regional stability and security.

“It is through such exchanges that we deepen our understanding and co-operation on critical defence matters.”

SEE THE PICS

The ship’s helipad is strong enough and large enough to support almost all French and allies’ helicopters. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The ship’s helipad is strong enough and large enough to support almost all French and allies’ helicopters. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Only four bunks to a room makes it a sought after deployment for junior sailors. Picture: Fia Walsh.

On board capability to repair weapons, leaky pipes, electrical wires, or whatever may be needed. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Months-worth of provisions, including this frozen food, allow the Jacques Chevalier to fully replenish another ship’s supplies three times over, without returning to port. Picture: Fia Walsh.

The deck offers full visibility for docking manoeuvres. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Darwin, NT, 29/1/25: French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Darwin, NT, 29/1/25: French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Darwin, NT, 29/1/25: French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Darwin, NT, 29/1/25: Commissaire Simon Peuch. French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Darwin, NT, 29/1/25: French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Darwin, NT, 29/1/25: French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Darwin, NT, 29/1/25: French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.

Darwin, NT, 29/1/25: French navy supply ship Jacques Chevallier arrives in Darwin as part of Frances Clemenceau mission in the Indo Pacific. Picture: Fia Walsh.