The Navies of Colombia and France have deployed their Economic Zone Patrol Vessels, ARC Victoria (PZE-48) and La Combattante (P 735 FS), as part of Operation Tucán Royal.
The operation aims to strengthen operational capabilities in combating transnational crime.
The exercises have spanned over five days in the waters of the Caribbean Sea, based on the standards set by NATO, and focused on improving interoperability levels and training.
In the course of the maneuvers – which also involved units of the Colombian Naval Aviation – simulations of interdiction operations, tactical maneuvers, high-seas emergency support and assistance, close air support, CSAR (Combat Search And Rescue) medical evacuations, and more were performed.
These exercises tested the tactical procedures of both vessels’ crews and resources.
The P 735 FS, launched as recently as 2018, is based in Fort Saint Luis in Fort-de-France, Martinique.
The vessel displaces 700 tons, measures 69.8 meters in length and 9.55 meters in width, with a draft of 3.2 meters. It has a range of up to 6,500 kilometers.
The vessel is powered by two diesel ABC 12 DZC engines (6000 kW/8050hp), enabling speeds of up to 12 knots. It also deploys two fast intervention boats of the RHIB type, each seven meters long.
La Combattante has a crew of 24, with room to accommodate an additional 14.
Its armament includes a Nexter Narwhal 20×102 millimeter piece, a 12.7×99 millimeter machine gun, and another 7.62x51mm machine gun.