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HMS Defender joins French carrier on counter ISIL operations
DB News: 17/12/2015 - 11:50
The Royal Navy warship HMS Defender has joined the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle in preparations to support operations against ISIL.
The ship joined the aircraft carrier in the Indian ocean, strengthening the French ship’s ability to conduct air strikes against the terrorist organisation in Iraq and Syria.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said: “This shows once again that Britain and France stand shoulder to shoulder against this brutal terrorist organisation.
“Whether British tourists on a beach in Tunisia or French citizens in Paris, both our nations have had first hand experience of the evil that Daesh is capable of and we are united in our resolve to destroy them.”
HMS Defender’s radars are able to provide a clear picture of an area stretching over 300 miles, enabling them to defend multinational ships, aircraft and land forces.
A constant dialogue has been established between the French Carrier while specific training means that HMS Defender is capable of protecting from a wide variety of threats.
HMS Defender’s Commanding Officer Stephen Higham said: “Every sailor and Royal Marine serving in HMS Defender knows this ship directly contributes to the national security of the UK.
“Whether interdicting illegal arms shipments to terrorist groups, delivering world-class air command from the sea or directing and controlling aircraft conducting strikes against Daesh overland, we are resolved to do all we can to keep our country safe and protect our nation’s interests.”
