Securing sea approaches and coastal surveillance

Securing sea approaches

France demonstrates its resolve to control the areas over which it has sovereignty by securing its sea approaches. The first aspect of this involves constant - though often discreet – operations to protect its nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (ATL2 patrol aircraft, patrol vessels, etc.) and, in particular, conducting surveillance missions to prevent submarines from penetrating areas of national interest.

The second aspect of the mission involves monitoring the movements of foreign naval forces in the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It also provides training opportunities for French Navy ships and their crews, allowing them to consolidate their knowledge and expertise in zones of major strategic interest.

Port security

Port security is one of the top priorities defined in the French White Paper relative to protecting the territory and population. To this end, the French coastguard (the gendarmerie maritime) has continued to set up units in the country's leading ports for maritime security purposes. This involves surveillance of and, where necessary, intervention in harbour areas. The first members of a coastal and port security squad have now set up in the port of Marseille, as they have already done in the port of Le Havre.