VietNamNet Bridge – The French amphibious assault ship and helicopter carrier Tonnerre captained by Colonel Jean-Francois Querat dropped its anchor in Baria - Secere Port in the southern city of Vung Tau on June 18 to start its visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
French naval ships to visit Vietnam
The Tonnerre, an elite warship of the French Navy, just visits Vung Tau as it is too huge to navigate the rivers leading to HCM City ports. It is 200 meters long and 32 meters wide.
The Tonnerre is one of three most modern amphibious ships in Europe and the world today. Each ship is cost $420-$600 million.
Lieutenant Colonel Benoit De Guibert, vice-captain of the Tonnerre warship introduced about the vessel.
The 5,200 m2 airport of the Tonnerre viewed from the command room. Tonnerre is capable of carrying 16 big helicopters or 35 small helicopters (transport and fighter helicopters).
Tonnerre can also carry four high speed landing crafts, 70 tanks or armored vehicles and 450 soldiers.
Zodiac boats for landing troops.
The cruiser Georges Leygues commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Romuald Bomont also docked at the Saigon Port in HCM City on June 18.
This vessel is equipped with the Excet anti-ship missile system, low-to-air missiles and anti-submarine torpedoes.
Inside the Tonnerre battleship
The cockpit.
The ship is equipped with the most modern radar system in the world.
The elevator inside the ship.
Internet room for soldiers.
The fitness center.
The "hospital" with nearly 70 beds.
The X-ray and CT room.
The corridor on the ship looks like the lobby of a luxury hotel.
A helicopter landed in the hold.
VNE