WILLEMSTAD – The French Navy patrol vessel La Combattante is in the port of Willemstad for a several-day visit, with Dutch Defense authorities confirming that the stop in Curaçao is a routine port call.
The vessel, recognizable by its identification number P735, belongs to the French Armed Forces in the Antilles and is based in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
La Combattante is deployed by the French Navy for maritime surveillance and operations against illegal trafficking and drug smuggling throughout the Caribbean. It forms part of the Forces armées aux Antilles, France’s permanent military presence in the region.
The patrol vessel measures 61 meters in length and can reach speeds of up to 21 knots. Its standard crew consists of 23 military personnel.
The ship is equipped with a 20-millimeter cannon and two heavy machine guns. It also carries three fast boats that can be deployed to intercept and board other vessels during maritime operations.
La Combattante has participated in several counter-narcotics operations across the Caribbean in recent years.
According to the French Navy, during an earlier command period the vessel traveled more than 33,000 nautical miles across an operational area stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. During that period, operations involving the vessel resulted in the interception of more than seven tons of illegal drugs.
Since July, La Combattante has been under the command of Thierry Malavaud. From its home port in Martinique, the vessel is deployed throughout the Caribbean for French maritime missions.
Despite its role in regional security and counter-narcotics operations, Defense authorities said the vessel’s current presence in Curaçao is not connected to any special operation.
La Combattante is expected to remain in Willemstad for several days as part of a regular port visit.