On January 20, the La Fayette-class frigate (FLF) Courbet returned to Toulon after a two-month deployment in the eastern Mediterranean.

During this deployment, the frigate was able to interact with neighboring countries and navies by stopping in Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Cyprus and Lebanon.

From November 30 to December 3, 2024, the Courbet crew carried out several exercises with the Greek frigate Nikifiros Fokas . Supported by two Greek Air Force fighters, the two ships carried out anti-aircraft training. They also conducted tactical evolutions and carried out a refueling at sea.

Then, from 10 to 12 December 2024, FLF Courbet participated in the CLEOPATRA 24 exercise alongside the Egyptian Navy. The crews of the French frigate and the two Egyptian frigates Tahia Misr and Al-Aziz conducted air-sea and anti-submarine operations, training in all areas of warfare.

On December 13, 2024, the Courbet punctually joined the carrier battle group to carry out refueling at sea, allowing the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to remain at sea.

Finally, from 3 to 6 January 2025, the FLF was on a stopover in Beirut. Throughout its deployment, the Courbet contributed to France’s autonomous assessment of the Eastern Mediterranean, reporting on the evolution of the situation in Lebanon.

As a sovereign power bordering the Mediterranean, France maintains a regular naval and air presence in the region, integrated into NATO and EU operations, or in coordination with its partners.