Corsican Lion- the major Anglo-French naval exercise in the Mediterranean has now ended and proved to be the first real first test of the British and French Navies plan to create a combined task force ready to respond to global events.      The two week exercise saw a British Task Group, lead by the Assault Ship BULWARK was joined by the French Assault Ship MISTRAL and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Landing Ship RFA MOUNTS BAY.   The main force was provided by the Aircraft Carrier FS CHARLES de GAULLE, and the Helicopter Carrier ILLUSTRIOUS.   The Type 23 Frigates MONTROSE and NORTHUMBERLAND joined the French Frigate JEAN BART provided the escort.

The main training element of Corsican Lion was provided by the French who provided the aerial striking power, whilst the British choreographed the landings on the eastern shores of Corsica.    From 2016 there will be a Combined Joint Expeditionary Force at 30 days’ notice to sail to respond to an international crises and remain on station for up to three months.