TOULON, FRANCE — France is sending its Tonnerre amphibious assault helicopter carrier and the frigate Surcouf on a long-term deployment that will see them pass through the South China Sea twice. Mission Jean d'Arc 2021 left its home port of Toulon on Feb. 18, 2021.

Captain Arnaud Tranchant, commanding officer of the Tonnerre, told Naval News the ships will "work to strengthen" France's partnership with the four Quad nations — the U.S., Japan, India and Australia.

Nikkei Asia reports the amphibious ready group will hold France's first joint military drills with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Navy in May. The exercise will be focused on defending remote islands.