The modern carrier component centers on Charles de Gaulle and flotilles 11F, 12F, 17F, and 4F, with helicopters from 35F embarked when required. French naval aviation divides its wider activity among the carrier air group, long-range maritime patrol, helicopter forces, and support aviation. The support organization contains escadrilles instead of adding more flotilles to the headline total. That terminology makes it harder to present unlike operational and support formations as interchangeable squadrons. The vocabulary carries real information about roles, readiness, and how force size should be counted.
Chapter · 41:37-44:18
How modern French naval aviation groups its operating forces
The contemporary force separates carrier aviation, maritime patrol, helicopters, and support units while preserving a meaningful distinction between flotilles and escadrilles.