French Navy

At sea, the Navy contributes to national defence and security through the operational deployment of naval forces. Its remits are dissuasion, knowledge and anticipation, prevention, projection, protection and intervention.

French Navy budget

1. From 2009 on, the Armed Forces equipment programme will be managed without distinguishing in detail between the different forces. The naval shares of the main items will no longer appear.
Source: Naval Staff

Navy military and civilian personnel

The professionalisation of Armed Forces has led to a sharp change of format for the Navy. From 1996 to 2002 military and civilian personnel went from 70,000 to 55,000. The cutbacks are continuing as the recommendations from the General review of public policies and the White Paper on Defence are implemented.

1. Ceiling for authorised employment: all personnel employed by the Defence Ministry
Source: Naval Staff

The large proportion of petty officers (over 65% of military personnel) is due to the technical nature of jobs in the Navy. Ratings, seamen and volunteers act as operators. Civilian staff, many in support services (supply, fleet support service, naval air bases), represent about 16% of the personnel. The operational reserve (6,400 in 2008, 7,100 in 2012), provides the Navy with the additional human resources required in times of crisis or for specialists needed on an ad hoc basis.

Naval and naval aviation equipment

Military Programming Law 2009-2014: as regards the Naval component, the 2008 White Paper on Defence considers that renewing the nuclear-powered attack submarines is a strategic priority. Its aim by 2020 is a 44,000 staff Navy, with 4 SSBN, 6 SSN, an aircraft carrier and its air wing, 18 first rate frigates and 4 command and force projection ships. These objectives drive the projects for naval and aero-naval equipment provided for in the Military Programming Law 2009-2014.

1. End of Military Programming Law
2. The decision on the second aircraft carrier should be made in 2012.
3. ASM: anti-submarine frigates.
4. TCD: landing platform dock, BPC: command and force projection ship.
5. Supply tanker and repair and maintenance ships.
6. Including aviso frigates converted into high sea patrol boats.
Sources: Defence White Paper, LPM Military Programming Law for 2009-2014, Naval Staff