A major operational preparation exercise
On January 27, the carrier strike group (GAN) set sail from the Toulon naval base to participate in ORION 26, a major joint and allied exercise...
Conducted over the coming weeks in the Atlantic zone — a strategic maneuver space for the defense of European interests — this exercise brings together French forces alongside their regional allies and partners. Placed under the authority of Rear Admiral Thibault de Possesse, commander of the maritime rapid reaction force since August 25, 2025, the deployed force includes the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle with its embarked air group, its staff, and its escorts providing an action capability in all areas of naval combat. Allied navy vessels complete this deployment, strengthening the carrier strike group's ability to conduct complex coalition operations.
Similarly, an amphibious force will set sail from Toulon to join the deployed force as part of ORION 26. PREPARATION OF FORCES ORION 26 aims to test the capacity of the French armed forces to conduct high-intensity operations in a joint and allied environment, integrating all domains and fields of conflict.
The engagement of the carrier strike group in exercise ORION 26 makes it possible to test its action capacity within a complex setup. This deployment contributes to the preparation of forces and the support of a large-scale operational maneuver conducted on national territory and in its approaches.
Indeed, a pillar of the Force d'action navale, the carrier strike group constitutes a unique strategic tool in Europe. Capable of long-term deployment at a distance, the Group is able to carry out various missions, notably the control of aero-maritime spaces and the conduct of deep strikes, including at very long range.
Mobile, versatile, enduring, and constantly adapting to threats, the GAN guarantees France, in cooperation with its allies, an essential autonomous capability for assessment and action.
Photos Marine nationale.