On January 16, 2026, the Jacques Stosskopf force supply ship (BRF) set sail for a long-term deployment, which constitutes an important step towards her admission into active service by the French Navy.
The long-term deployment of Jacques Stosskopf , named in honor of the naval engineer who was a member of the French Resistance during World War II, will last several months.
An integral part of the French Navy’s commissioning process, this deployment corresponds to the second stage of the “military capability verification” phase, following the operational readiness training period for the BRF crew.
Jacques Stosskopf will sail through the Arctic, then to the Caribbean and on to the Pacific to assess its capabilities in diverse maritime environments, and to develop the interoperability of this new type of vessel with our partners and allies in the areas traversed. This period at sea, conducted far away, for an extended period, and with a crew, allows us to assess the BRF and its systems, and for the sailors to become more familiar with this equipment.
Focus on force supply ships
The BRFs (Reconnaissance and Support Ships) are multi-purpose and strategic vessels, the cornerstone of our strategic autonomy, enabling France to possess an ocean-going navy. Their core missions are to support the carrier strike group centered around the aircraft carrier, to bolster the oceanic component of nuclear deterrence, and to participate in joint operations by enhancing our interoperability. They will replace command and supply ships, significantly improving their cargo and fuel capacity, as well as their tactical capabilities. Capable of providing over 13,000 m³ of fuel and 1,500 tons of cargo, the BRFs contribute to situational awareness and can be deployed independently in areas subject to asymmetric or residual threats.