29/03/2021
16687 times read
29/03/2021
16687 times read
KUWAIT CITY, March 29: The French military vessel — l’Aigle (The Eagle) — was deployed to the territorial waters of Kuwait this month, reports Al-Rai daily. This ship is a mine hunter that belongs to a French mine warfare group. It docks on the Arabian Gulf for several months every year to conduct relevant operations in coordination with the local naval forces. This year, l’Aigle traveled through minehunting sectors where it carried out marine surveys to gain more knowledge about the underwater environment and thus contribute to the safety of maritime traffic in Kuwaiti waters.
It also participated in a joint exercise with the Kuwaiti Naval Force to maintain the excellent level of cooperation between the two naval forces. This year the deployment is special as it coincided with the 30th anniversary of the liberation of Kuwait. L’Aigle was in Gulf waters from 1990 to 1991 as it took part in ‘Operation Daguet’ to liberate Kuwait. Commissioned shortly before 1987; it carried the most modern technologies for the detection, identifi- cation and neutralization of underwater mines. Today, these technologies are old but still effective and are complemented by human expertise. It can count on military personnel who are highly skilled in diving and mine clearance.
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Ambassador of France to Kuwait Anne- Claire Legendre visited l’Aigle when she toured Shuwaikh Port, during which she was warmly welcomed by Commander Arnaud le Béguec who introduced her to his crew and their missions. L’Aigle will definitely return to Kuwaiti waters in the coming years — before it retires after nearly 40 years of good service.