India and France to Conduct Joint Naval Exercise 'Varuna 2025' from March 19
Click to start listening
Synopsis
India and France will conduct their 23rd joint naval exercise, 'Varuna 2025', from March 19 to 22, focusing on enhancing maritime cooperation, operational synergy, and tactical capabilities through a series of complex drills across various domains.
Key Takeaways
- Joint naval exercise 'Varuna 2025' scheduled from March 19 to 22.
- Features advanced air defense drills and air-to-air combat simulations.
- Includes anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare exercises.
- Joint operation of aircraft carriers Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle.
- Strengthens India-France maritime collaboration and interoperability.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) The Indian and French Navies are set to engage in a bilateral naval exercise titled 'Varuna 2025', as announced by the Ministry of Defence officials on Tuesday.
This marks the 23rd iteration of this significant naval collaboration.
VARUNA, which symbolizes the lasting maritime alliance between India and France, is scheduled from March 19 to 22.
The VARUNA-2025 exercise will incorporate advanced air defense maneuvers and fighter drills, including simulated air-to-air engagements between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K, aimed at enhancing tactical and operational skills.
According to the Indian Navy, this exercise will also include anti-submarine warfare activities that will offer comprehensive training in underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will showcase synchronized actions and interactions between the Indian and French fleets.
Additionally, maritime patrol aircraft will bolster situational awareness, and replenishment-at-sea exercises will strengthen logistical collaboration.
This partnership emphasizes a shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and secure maritime environment, as stated by an MoD official.
Since its inception in 2001, 'VARUNA' has become a pivotal aspect of cooperation, demonstrating the dedication of both nations to improve naval interoperability and operational synergy.
This year's events promise an exciting range of maritime drills and intricate maneuvers across sub-surface, surface, and aerial domains.
The joint involvement of aircraft carriers Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, along with their fighter jets, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, underscores the collaborative might of both navies.
By promoting the exchange of best practices and mutual comprehension, the exercise reaffirms the capability of these two nations to operate seamlessly in even the most challenging maritime situations.
'VARUNA-2025' serves as a compelling reminder of the strong ties connecting the Indian and French navies in their quest for maritime peace and security, the official noted.
