Aircraft carriers in the French Navy

Playing an essential part in forces projection operations, the amphibious group consists of:
One or more command and projection ship(s) (LHDs/BPC) and/or landing platform docks (LPDs) carrying landing craft (CDIC, CTM) in her well deck, to implement a joint service group of troops, vehicles and helicopters;

- Army utility helicopters (Puma or Cougar taking part in the landing of troops and equipment) and combat helicopters (Gazelle to support the shipborne forces);
- Advanced forces (naval commandos) tasked with preparing the landing,
- A mine warfare component when this type of threat is to be faced; Landing of troops by BPC Mistral’s landing craft
- Defence and support ships.

The two BPCs (Mistral and Tonnerre) and the two LPDs (Foudre and Siroco) include heavy medical facilities to carry out large-scale medical missions (operating theatres, serious burn treatment ...)
They are also able to accommodate and operate an on-board operative HQ for national or multinational operations.
The Super-Etendard (SUE) carrying the medium-range air-to-ground missile (ASMP) will eventually be replaced by the Rafale with the ASMPA (improved medium-range air-to-ground missile).

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Navy
:www.defense.gouv.fr/marine_uk