France Buys Another Mistral Class

There are two things to note about this. First, this is a result of the French economic stimulus package, yet another country that looks to stimulate the economy by building ships that enhance national capabilities. Second, this is a signal regarding the mindset of a Sarkozy administration, Ares noted the speed of which it was decided and discussed. DO not casually dismiss the possibility we see the same type of thing from an Obama administration.

Defense News has an outline of French military purchases for the upcoming 2009-1014 military budget law, where a new Mistral was mentioned.

As part of the accelerated investment, the government plans to order a third Mistral-class projection and command ship from 2009, advancing an order which had been expected in the military budget law which followed the present 2009-14 exercise.

Robery Farley, call your office, you remain correct in your assessment that the Amphibious Ship is the Dreadnought of the modern era. It isn't just about national prestige though, this is about expanding capability and tells the story of how nations look at what national power from the maritime domain means in the future.

The Mistral class is a cool ship, but it isn't a kick down the door capability, more of an over the horizon helicopter command ship. Cool concept, and is an excellent ship for the Global Fleet Station and medical diplomacy roles, but otherwise isn't really well suited for the way we currently deploy Marines to forward theaters.

For those who think I am down on the ship class you couldn't be more wrong, I just note the US builds bigger ships that fills the same role. Confused? It is noteworthy the most common role for a Mistral class ship is in a power projection/soft power role off the coast of Africa, not much different than what we call Global Fleet Stations.

The Mistral class are big ships, the largest Navy ship not able to support fixed wing aircraft in Europe.