It is common for our best frigates, the F-100, Álvaro de Bazán class, to operate alongside American aircraft carriers, with which they share systems. Currently, the Blas de Lezo (F-103) is integrated, in high-intensity maneuvers in the North Atlantic, in the combat group of the George H.W. Bush. It has previously participated in exercises with the Dwight D. Eisenhower.
But now the Spanish Cristóbal Colón (F-105) has joined the French Charles de Gaulle in a much closer way and in the midst of a real war situation, where the flag is displayed as a multiple message.
The Charles de Gaulle represents France and its independent defense. It is the country's greatest naval pride alongside the four nuclear-powered submarines of the Le Triomphant class, which are part of the Force de frappe. Units carrying ballistic missiles with atomic warheads. Macron, in support of operations against Iran, recently sang La Marseillaise alongside Le Téméraire, the second in the series.
The Charles de Gaulle, with its 45,000 tons, is half as imposing as the 11 American carriers and about 50 meters shorter (261 meters in length). It also carries fewer personnel on board: 1,200 troops, with an additional 600 belonging to the air crew. It is not as fast: 27 knots, about 50 kilometers per hour. But its nuclear vessel nature somewhat brings it closer to them and, so to speak, sets it apart from the rest of the aircraft carriers. Its air component is significant: between 30 and 40 modern Rafale M aircraft, supported by early warning aircraft E-2C Hawkeye, and helicopters Dauphin and NH-90 Caïman.
Like its American counterparts, it does not rely on a ski jump, the ramp at the bow that aids in takeoff by throwing the aircraft into the air. It relies on catapults to assist in takeoff, capable of launching a roaring mass of 25,000 kilograms at 300 kilometers per hour in 1.5 seconds. Its defense primarily depends on its escort ships (three frigates and a supply vessel). However, it is equipped with anti-aircraft missiles Aster 15 and launchers Sadral and Mistral.
It has a combat record in Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, and Iraq. In 2018, it underwent a mid-life modernization. And until around 2038, when it will be complemented or replaced by the PA Ng project, as yet unnamed, a 78,000-ton monster will continue to be the proud flagship of the French Navy. A demonstration of grandeur.
The Spanish frigate accompanying and escorting it, the Cristóbal Colón (F-105), is the most modern, potent, and capable vessel of our Navy. Although belonging to the F-100 group, it is closer to the next generation, already under construction, the F-110, Bonifaz class, than its previous twin ships, which it substantially improves, to the point of doubling the cost. The first four F-100 cost around 450 million euros each. The fifth, the Cristóbal Colón, around 850 million euros.
Its capabilities, based on the Aegis system for target detection, tracking, and classification, are comprehensive: air-to-air, surface-to-surface, and anti-submarine. It has a vertical launch system with 48 cells for Standard SM-2 and RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles. It also has NSM and RGM-84 Harpoon Block II missiles.
It carries two double torpedo launchers Mk-46 and a towed sonar TACTAS, which integrates guided rockets ASROC. A 125-millimeter cannon, two 20-millimeter cannons, two 25-millimeter cannons, and four Browning M-2 12.7-millimeter machine guns would be the weapons used in low-intensity confrontations. It usually carries a SH-60B helicopter on board.
With a displacement of 6,400 tons, 147 meters in length, 17 meters in beam, and 216 highly qualified crew members, the Charles de Gaulle is not only a powerful ship, but also the floating flag of a country and all that it signifies, implies, and expresses.