[PDF] france leaving nato 1966

Why did France leave NATO?

A1: At General Charles de Gaulle’s urging, France left NATO’s integrated military structure in 1966 to maintain its own independent defense policy. Since then, however, France has continued to participate in NATO’s political structures and make sizeable and important contributions to NATO’s ongoing missions, particularly in Kosovo and Afghanistan.

Why did Charles de Gaulle resign from NATO?

The event that was to follow was unprecedented. In 1966, President Charles de Gaulle withdrew France from NATO’s integrated military command structure (a decision that was reversed in 2009). Charles de Gaulle expressed a desire for greater military independence, particularly vis-à-vis the United States.

How many French troops are in NATO?

French personnel returned to the Alliance’s command structures from 2009, split between Allied Command Operations (ACO) and Allied Command Transformation (ACT). Currently, when all structures and agencies are taken into account, France has almost 780 troops seconded to NATO entities.

Did France participate in NATO exercises?

French naval and air forces participated in NATO exercises and it took part in joint procurement projects such as NADGE. NADGE (NATO Air Defence Ground Environment) was a high-performing radar system conceived to detect high-speed enemy aircraft and, if necessary, destroy them.