As France, the US and allies prepare a military response against the Russia-backed Syrian government accusing them of being behind an alleged chemical attack, Le Point reported that the Aquitaine frigate was buzzed.
Aquitaine is equipped with 16 cruise missiles and 16 surface-to-air missiles, and currently operating off Lebanese shores alongside US Navy vessels.
“The flight took place several days ago, passes by military aircraft over warships are things that happen at sea. When it is deemed too close, the opposing party is notified” according to a source quoted in Le Point.
French Front National leader, Marine Le Pen has condemned France’s involvement in the Syrian theatre however. “Europe pays the consequences of the war in Libya, including the explosion of migration flows. Will we reiterate the same potentially devastating mistakes in Syria? Do we really want to follow the irresponsible Americans as in another Iraq-like war?
The FREMM class, to which Aquitane belongs, is a class of multi-purpose frigates designed for the navies of France and Italy. The lead ship of the class, Aquitaine, was commissioned in November 2012 by the French Navy.
In Italy these vessels are known as the Bergamini class.
