French doctrine called for carrier support outside the Mediterranean, scouting, trade protection, and tactical flexibility. Strike capability formed part of that programme, though it received less emphasis than in Britain because France expected fewer carriers and had less operational experience. A strategic concept still needed suitable ships and repeated operations before it could become a practical doctrine. With only Béarn, France lacked the carrier capacity to mature the system it had outlined.
Notable Point · 39:03-41:30
A doctrine constrained by Béarn
France had a doctrine of fleet support, scouting, trade protection, and flexibility, but its one carrier limited what that doctrine could become in practice.