France, SA turn navy ships’ Suez Canal detour into diplomatic opportunity
Daily Maverick | 19.04.2026 23:20
Among the many ships diverted via Cape Town by the war in Iran this month were the French Navy’s assault ship Dixmude and its stealth frigate Aconit. Dixmude was conspicuous in the harbour, since it resembles an aircraft carrier, although it carries many helicopters rather than fixed-wing aircraft, as well as landing craft, ground vehicles and troops.
