French armed forces in New Caledonia Photo: Facebook FANC Forces Armées de Nouvelle-Calédonie
Reports from New Caledonia say a sailor of the French navy has been charged with rape.
The public broadcaster said the alleged rape took place on the navy base earlier this month but the victim, who also works for the armed forces, had kept quiet about the assault for several days.
The public prosecutor confirmed that the suspect was detained late last week.
The incident is said to be the first of its kind involving the armed forces.
There has been no comment from the military.