The French Navy frigate Languedoc shot down a drone while escorting the containership CMA CGM Champs Elysees through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on the night (local time) of October 1–2.
The French Armed Forces General Staff confirmed the interception to Le Monde, which reported the incident on October 15.
"The French frigate used its gun against a drone deemed threatening and shot it down," the general staff said.
The containership changed course and speed during the incident.
The aircraft was believed to be a surveillance drone equipped only with cameras. It flew over a convoy of several merchant vessels, including CMA CGM Champs Elysees and at least one MSC containership.
The containership was northbound from Singapore to Northern Europe. CMA CGM's schedule showed a departure from Singapore on September 20, a Suez Canal transit on October 3, and arrival at Le Havre on October 16.
CMA CGM said that every vessel making the transit does so with the consent of each crewmember concerned. The company has assured that it remains in permanent contact with the French authorities and holds daily discussions with crews and unions.
Languedoc had earlier destroyed two drones launched from Yemen off Hodeida in December 2023.