PARIS, Feb 18: France will deploy its only aircraft carrier in the Middle East and Indian Ocean as part of international efforts to bring stability to Afghanistan, a Defence Ministry spokesman said on Saturday.

The 3 1/2-month mission by the Charles de Gaulle and an escort flotilla is to begin on Friday in support of the US-led counter terrorism operation Enduring Freedom and UN-mandated peacekeeping operations in Afghanistan, spokesman Jean-Francois Bureau told The Associated Press.

The warship, which is to head toward the Indian Ocean on March 1, is scheduled to conduct exercises with military forces from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, India and Oman, he said.

The Charles de Gaulle, accompanied by the British frigate H.M.S. Lancaster and four other escort ships, will carry 28 aircraft including 14 Super-Etendard strike aircraft and eight Rafale combat fighters.

The ship is to depart on Friday from the Mediterranean city of Toulon, and about 3,000 sailors are to take part in the mission, Bureau said.—AP