Exercise Varuna 2025:
The Indian and French Navies are gearing up for the 23rd edition of their bilateral naval exercise, VARUNA 2025.
- It is the bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France.
- Initiated in 1993, the exercise was christened ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has become a hallmark of the India-France strategic bilateral relationship.
- VARUNA 2025 is the 23rd edition of the exercise and will take place in the Arabian Sea.
- It will showcase a series of high-intensity naval drills, emphasizing joint operations across sub-surface, surface, and aerial domains.
- The Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, and the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, will participate alongside their fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, demonstrating the combined strength and operational capabilities of both naval forces.
- The exercise will be advanced air defence drills and mock air-to-air combat scenarios between the French Rafale-M and Indian MiG-29K fighter jets.
- These exercises aim to enhance tactical coordination and refine combat readiness.
- Additionally, anti-submarine warfare drills will focus on strengthening underwater domain awareness, while surface warfare operations will test the ability of both navies to execute synchronized engagements and manoeuvres.
