French Frigate Shoots Down Drone Near CMA CGM Ship

A French navy frigate shot down a surveillance drone above the Bab el-Mandeb strait on the night of 1-2 October 2026, while the warship was escorting the LNG-powered container ship CMA CGM Champs Elysees.

The frigate Languedoc intercepted the drone as the 23,112-TEU ship was making its transit through one of the most contested stretches of water in global shipping. The drone was fitted with surveillance cameras. France's Armed Forces General Staff confirmed the engagement.

The incident went unreported for nearly two weeks. Le Monde broke the story on 15 October. Maritime Executive and MarineInsight followed with additional reporting on 15-17 October.

Crews sailing the Red Sea are being offered war bonuses of 1,500 euros per transit. Some seafarers are declining the route altogether.

Houthi forces have been mounting operations against commercial shipping in the area throughout the year. On 8 October, Saudi-backed Yemeni government forces retook Perim Island at the mouth of the strait, a position the Houthis had previously held. Four days later, the CUL Klang came under fire in the southern Red Sea.

CMA CGM Champs Elysees is 400 metres long and carries up to 23,112 TEU. Its LNG propulsion puts it among the newer generation of ultra-large container ships in regular service.