Royal Navy and French Navy to deploy a common carrier and amphibious battle group in the Fall

Royal Navy and Marine Nationale plan to deploy a large naval force in the Mediterranean in the fall of 2012 with aircraft carriers, amphibious vessels, destroyers and frigates.

Royal Navy will deploy its Response Force Task Group, which will include the Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) HMS Ocean and Light Aircraft Carrier (CVL) HMS Illustrious used as helicotper carrier.

French Navy is expected to deploy its carrier battle group with the nuclear powered aircraft carrier (CVN) Charles de Gaulle, and probably an amphibious group, with a Mistral class amphibious assault ship.

Both navies will desploy destroyers, frigates and submarines to escort the capital ships of the common naval force as well as auxiliary ships to ressuply the large number of vessels. This deployement will also involve ground units: Royal Marines, French Marine Infantry (9th BLBMa) as well as several helicopter transport and combat helicotpers are expected to be detached to the various amphibious vessels and carriers.