Australia, France, and the United States operate together in South China Sea [Image 1 of 4]

The image depicts a trilateral naval exercise involving the Royal Australian Navy (RAN), French Navy, and the United States Navy (USN) in the South China Sea on April 9, 2024. The participating vessels include HMAS Warramunga (FFG 152), an Australian Hobart-class guided missile frigate; FS Vendémiaire (F 734), a French Floréal-class frigate; and USS Mobile (LCS 26), an Independence-variant littoral combat ship of the USN.

The three navies collaborated on this operation to enhance their interoperability and strengthen their partnership. The exercise took place within the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations, which covers the western Pacific Ocean and includes the South China Sea. The primary objective was to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region by demonstrating a united front among the three nations.

The Royal Australian Navy's HMAS Warramunga is a Hobart-class guided missile frigate with a displacement tonnage of approximately 6,600 tons. It is equipped with a vertical launch system for missiles, a 127mm gun, and various sensors for air defense and surveillance.

The French Navy's FS Vendémiaire is a Floréal-class frigate with a displacement tonnage of around 4,600 tons. It is armed with Exocet anti-ship missiles, a 100mm gun, and various sensors for air defense and surveillance.

USS Mobile is an Independence-variant littoral combat ship with a displacement tonnage of around 3,200 tons. It is designed for operations in shallow waters and is equipped with modular mission packages for mine countermeasures, surface warfare, or anti-submarine warfare.

The trilateral exercise included various drills and maneuvers to improve communication, coordination, and interoperability between the three navies. These exercises are essential for maintaining a strong military presence in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrating a united front against potential threats to the freedom of navigation and international law.

The United States has been conducting regular naval deployments to the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen alliances and partnerships with its allies and partners. The U.S. Navy's presence in the region serves as a deterrent against potential aggression and helps maintain a balance of power in the area.

Australia and France are important allies of the United States in the Indo-Pacific region. The trilateral exercise between these three nations highlights their commitment to maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific region and strengthening their military partnerships.

In conclusion, the image shows a trilateral naval exercise involving the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, and the United States Navy in the South China Sea on April 9, 2024. The exercise aimed to enhance interoperability and strengthen partnerships between the three navies to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The participating vessels included HMAS Warramunga, FS Vendémiaire, and USS Mobile. The exercise demonstrated the commitment of these nations to maintaining a strong military presence in the region and deterring potential threats to international law.