January 2012

Entente Cordial ? -– provided Gaelic humour holds the Royal Navy will support the Response Force Task Group Mediterranean  in 2012 as part of the Anglo-French Co-Operation Treaty which maybe the precursor to the formation of an Anglo-French Combined Joint Expeditionary Force.   The Response Force Task Group Mediterranean will be lead by the French Aircraft Carrier CHARLES DE GAULLE which has possible Air Group of some 40 aircraft made up of RAFALE and SUPER ETENDARDfixed wing jet aircraft, with HAWKEYE AEW aircraft and DAUPHIN helicopters in support.   The 2012 French Presidential Election is to be held on 22^nd April 2012 (with – if needed a second “run off” election on the 6^th May 2012).