FRANCE will provide FF2-million to assist in Operation Blue Crane, the Southern African Development Community peacekeeping exercise which begins on Wednesday. The contribution will consist of equipment and staff for the exercise, including a C160 military transport aircraft and a P400 French Navy ship, a patrol boat based in Reunion. Additionally, six French officers specialising in peacekeeping operations will be seconded to the operation. France on Wednesday reiterated its committment to assisting with peacekeeping in Africa, and its willingness to grant assistance to South Africa and other states involved in this activity.