The logistic supply ship FS Jacques Chevalier (A725), the latest addition to the French Navy, or in French, Marine nationale, docked in Cape Town on Thursday, 7 December 2023, as part of its first operational deployment. The ship is expected to stay in the port until 12 December 2023, before resuming its mission in the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
The visit is part of an enhanced bilateral maritime cooperation between France and South Africa, which share a common interest in the security and stability of the southern Indian Ocean. The two countries have conducted several joint exercises and operations in the region, such as the biennial Exercise Oxide, which aims to improve the interoperability and coordination of their naval forces.
FS Jacques Chevalier is the first of four replenishment ships, or Bâtiment Ravitailleur de Forces (BRF), that will replace the French Navy’s Durance-class tankers, which were built between 1973 and 1990. The new ships will have a capacity of 31,000 tons of fuel, ammunition, spare parts, and supplies, to enable long-range operations by the French Navy. They will also be able to accommodate helicopters, commandos, and medical personnel.
The ship was constructed in Saint-Nazaire, at Chantiers de l’Atlantique, as will its three sister ships. Steel cutting took place in May 2020, with a floating hull section being built in Italy at Fincantieri. The ship was formally commissioned on 18 July 2023, after carrying out several replenishment exercises with other navy ships, including the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and one of the frigates. The class of ships is second in size only to Charles de Gaulle.
FS Jacques Chevalier is not the only French warship to visit Cape Town this year. In November, the frigate FS Floréal (F730) made an unannounced arrival, marking the eighth visit by a French warship to Cape Town in less than two years. This unexpected presence generated intrigue, especially given the lack of prior notification compared to the routine announcements accompanying NATO warship visits. Earlier in January, the patrol frigate Nivôse also visited Durban, highlighting the bilateral maritime cooperation between the two countries.
The French Navy’s presence in the southern Indian Ocean reflects its commitment to the security and stability of the region, as well as its cooperation with its partners, such as South Africa. The visit of FS Jacques Chevalier is a testament to the strength and friendship of the two navies.