UK, Germany and the US have already allowed armed private security teams on vessels

France will allow private armed security guards on board vessels, according to government statement.

Along with the UK, Germany and the United States, France will be one more country that has officially given permit to private armed guards to protect vessels sailing under their flags against pirates in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.

Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said the arming of private security forces would make the French merchant fleet more competitive with European rivals.

Although tougher ship security and Western naval patrols have reduced attacks from Somali pirates, French ships are increasingly being targeted in the Gulf of Guinea off west Africa, where France has trade ties with former colonies, Reuters reports.

Sourced From Safety4Sea