The UK's response to a drone strike on RAF Akrotiri has been dwarfed byFrance. The French hassent their flagship, nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, the Charles de Gaulle, to the eastern Mediterranean along with its air wing and escorting frigates.
French PresidentEmmanuel Macronsaid Rafale fighter jets, air defence systems and airborne radar systems had also been deployed to the Middle East since the US andIsraellaunched their attack on Iran. Critics of Prime Minister SirKeir Starmerhave said the UK has been too slow in its response, which includes the deployment of HMS Dragon. The Type 45 air defence destroyer won't leave the UK until next week.
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The 42,500 tonne Charles de Gaulle is powered by two nuclear reactors, which allow the giant vessel to operate for longer without having to refuel.
It is armed with Aster 15 surface to air missiles, 20mm Giat guns and electronic warfare systems, according toEuronews.
Charles de Gaulle is reported to have cost €3billion at the time it was built, which is about £1.9bn.
The vessel is 261 metres long and can carry 40 aircraft. These include Rafale M fighter jets and E-2C Hawkeye early warning aircraft.
It also carries AS365F Dauphin Pedro, EC725 Caracal and AS532 Cougar helicopters for use in search and rescue.
Rafale M jets are capable of carrying SCALP air to ground missiles with ranges in excess of 311 miles (500km).
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
