France to send aircraft carrier for exercises in Indian Ocean

France is sending its aircraft carrier to the Indian Ocean for naval exercises, a defence ministry source said on Tuesday, adding that the ship was ready for military operations if needed.

Specialised naval internet website “Mer et Marine” reported that the Charles de Gaulle carrier, the flagship of the French fleet, was heading to the Gulf, where it would join operations against Islamic State in Iraq.

The carrier is usually accompanied by an attack submarine, several frigates and a refuelling ship. When asked if the aircraft carrier could be used to fight Islamic State, the defence ministry source said: “It’s a military tool. It’s purpose is to be used.”

Read more