HCMC – The French Embassy and the French Consulate General in HCMC on March 6 hosted a media tour of a French Navy multi-mission frigate during its courtesy visit to HCMC.
The tour gave an exclusive look at the ship’s cutting-edge technology and onboard facilities, showcasing the capabilities of one of the French Navy’s most modern warships.
The Provence frigate, commissioned in 2015, is among the most advanced warships in the French Navy. With a length of 142 meters, a width of 20 meters and a displacement of 6,000 tons, it is equipped for anti-submarine, air defense, and surface warfare. The vessel features state-of-the-art radar and sonar systems, a sophisticated combat management system, anti-aircraft missiles, and a naval cannon.
The frigate, commanded by Captain Lionel Siegfried, reached Lotus Port on March 1 as part of Operation Clemenceau 25, a French carrier strike group deployment across the Indo-Pacific region.
This visit comes as France and Vietnam deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, announced in October 2024 during a high-level meeting in Paris. It follows a series of French naval visits to Vietnam in 2023 and 2024. This upgraded framework is expected to spur deeper collaboration in defense, law enforcement, and technology exchange.
Ambassador Brochet noted that this visit represents one of France’s most significant naval deployments to Vietnam, underscoring the strategic partnership and friendship between the two countries.
The ship’s extended voyage of over 10,000 kilometers underscores France’s willingness to project its naval assets to promote shared values and regional stability, he said
The frigate’s visit also includes joint training with Vietnam’s coast guard to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen bilateral naval cooperation.
