NATO - Q&A - (27 May 2022)

Q : NATO is currently carrying out a naval exercise, Neptune Shield, in the eastern Mediterranean. Is France observing these exercises, will it follow up with its own exercises, and more generally, what is the strategic interest of the eastern Mediterranean: surveillance of the Russian navy, support for the Greek navy, a tense coexistence with the Turkish navy?

A : France is closely monitoring the situation in the eastern Mediterranean, particularly in light of the consequences of the Russian aggression in Ukraine. We are working with our NATO allies, our EU partners and all of our regional partners to enhance stability in the eastern Mediterranean and protect our interests in that region, among other things, through the regular deployment of our forces.

As the Minister for the Armed Forces noted, the national navy and the air and space force are taking part in the Neptune Shield 2022 military exercises along with 18 other allies.