OPEX Commandos: Where are Our Soldiers Currently Based?
The French army is renowned for its ability to rapidly project force into complex operational theaters. Since 1995, the French army has conducted no less than 106 external operations (commonly known as OPEX in military jargon). But today, where are French soldiers based? We will take stock in this article. However, before anything else, we prefer to state that we will not reveal any confidential information in this article (for obvious security reasons). And, secondly, we are talking about current information, which is therefore subject to change over time.
Where is the French army currently present?
Today, the French army is present on all continents. This is a technical and operational feat that deserves recognition. But, as we will see later in the article, there are actually several very different types of deployments.
- Sovereignty forces
- Deployment within the framework of the European Union
- External operations
- Action under NATO mandate
- Deterrent forces
- Actions under UN mandate
Now, let's look at each type of intervention.
Sovereignty forces: what are they?
First, the French army has deployed several "sovereignty forces." These are units stationed in different national operational theaters, which have an international strategic scope to reinforce and demonstrate France's presence. To date, they have been placed in:
- French Southern and Antarctic Lands (TAAF)
- Mayotte (Indian Ocean)
- New Caledonia (Pacific Ocean)
- French Polynesia (Pacific Ocean)
- Operation Harpie in French Guiana
This last mission is undoubtedly the most important in terms of the number of soldiers mobilized. Indeed, 400 soldiers are permanently mobilized (with therefore more soldiers on site for staff rotation) against illegal gold panning in the Guianan forest.
Other operations take place on national territory, such as Operation Sentinelle or Operation Hephaïstos. More occasionally, units like the Civil Security are deployed on national territory to deal with natural disasters.
Pre-positioned forces: what are they?
The French army also relies on pre-positioned forces. These are military personnel and equipment placed in strategic locations around the world to enable rapid intervention in the event of a crisis. These pre-positioned forces are located near major operational theaters, on the territory of France's strategic partners. They are called "pre-positioned" because they can quickly deploy on site, already being several thousand kilometers from France, and often a few hundred kilometers from conflict zones.
Today, 3150 soldiers are deployed among these pre-positioned forces according to the Ministry of Defense. Nearly half of them (1450) are in Djibouti, in the Horn of Africa. Then, a contingent is placed in the United Arab Emirates, and three smaller units are located in Gabon, Senegal, and Côte d'Ivoire.
Deployment within the framework of the European Union: an increasingly important role for the French army
In addition to its sovereignty forces, France also deploys units within the framework of European defense initiatives, such as the European Union battle groups or EUTMs (European Union Training Missions). These are currently deployed in:
- Mali
- Central African Republic
- Somalia
External operations: a priority for the French army
Since the end of the Cold War, the French army has been very active in external operations. These are generally conducted within the framework of an international coalition and under a UN mandate. Current deployments include:
In both cases, France acts against the terrorist threat. Even if these destinations seem distant, it should be remembered that the November 13 attacks were prepared from Syria, which was then the stronghold of Daesh.
French presence in the Sahel: what is it about?
In the Sahel region, France leads Operation Barkhane. This operation was launched in 2014 and replaced other operations such as Serval or Epervier. Its objective is to combat Islamic terrorist groups and organized crime. The mission of French forces in this area is primarily focused on intelligence gathering and conducting special operations (often in cooperation with local forces).
Since the successive military coups in Mali and Burkina Faso, France has been less and less welcome in these two countries. Consequently, they have chosen to refuse the French presence on their soil. Today, Operation Barkhane is primarily active in Niger, Chad, and Benin.
External Operation in Syria and Iraq: what you need to know
Initially, with the launch of Operation Chammal, France, along with the United States, militarily supported the Kurdish militias firmly established on the ground.
Even today, France is present off the coast of Syria via the Navy. Air operations have also taken place in this territory in recent years to strike Daesh targets (logistics bases, training camps, arms depots). Emmanuel Macron stated in 2018 on this subject: "France is continuing its resolute action against terrorism in Syria alongside its partners in the international coalition against Daesh. This action first includes a military component, developed within the framework of Operation Chammal, which contributes to the international effort to retake territories held by the terrorist organization."
It should be noted that the French presence has also materialized through the presence of French Navy vessels in the Mediterranean Sea, notably the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, which served as a rear base for air operations. Frigates are also present to launch strikes or for surveillance operations.
Operation Daman: maintaining peace in Lebanon
Other external operations are conducted under the aegis of the UN, but concern France a little less. For example, there is Operation Daman in Lebanon, which aims to maintain peace in this country where foreign interference is numerous (latent conflict with Syria, interethnic conflicts, Israeli incursions into South Lebanon...). Today, France's participation in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) still represents 700 soldiers.
Action under NATO mandate: an increased presence in Eastern Europe?
Finally, France is also present within the framework of NATO's "eastern flank" mission. This involves better monitoring Russia's activities on its western borders. These operations have been reinforced since Russian provocations towards former Soviet Union republics. Consequently, NATO's presence in this area has steadily increased.
It can be said that it all began in 2008 with Russia's invasion of two Georgian republics (Abkhazia and South Ossetia), which still represent 20% of Georgian territory. Russia's operations in Ukraine, in Donbas in 2014, and repeated incursions into European Union airspace have prompted NATO countries to strengthen their presence in countries close to Russia.
Surveillance operation in the Baltic countries
Thus, France has sent pilots and Air Force units to the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). In coordination with other NATO armies, French Rafales conduct daily surveillance operations to deter Russia from any incursion into the airspace of these former Soviet republics.
Operation Eagle in Romania
This is currently the second largest operation of the French army, after the Sahel. Operation Eagle is the name given to the French intervention in this country on Europe's and NATO's eastern flank. A hundred kilometers from Ukraine as the crow flies, 5000 French soldiers are deployed with significant resources (Leclerc tanks, armored vehicles). A sign of the strategic importance of this operation, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMA) and the Minister of Defense have already visited the Cincu camp, the headquarters of the French armies in Romania, several times.
