The 19th edition of the Indian and French Navy bilateral exercise ‘Varuna-2021’ has started in the Arabian Sea on April 25, 2021.

According to the official release, the exercise will also showcase the increased level of coordination, synergy and interoperability between the friendly navies of India and France.

The three-days exercise between the navies of two countries will be seeing high tempo-level operations at the sea, which will include advanced anti-submarine and air defence exercises, tactical manoeuvres, intense fixed and rotary wing flying operations, underway replenishment, surface and anti-air weapon firings and other maritime security operations.

The 19th edition of the Indian and French Navy bilateral exercise ‘VARUNA-2021’ is scheduled to be conducted in the Arabian Sea from 25th to 27th April 2021.

The units of the two navies in the Varuna bilateral naval exercise will endeavour to enhance their warfighting skills in order to demonstrate their ability as an integrated force to promote security, peace and stability in the maritime domain.

• The Indian navy will be led by the Flag Officer Commanding Western Fleet Rear Admiral Ajay Kochhar. While, the French navy will be led by the Commander Task Force 473, Rear Admiral Marc Aussedat.

• From the Indian side, guided-missile frigates INS Talwar and INS Tarkarsh, guided-missile stealth destroyer INS Kolkata, Fleet Support Ship INS Deepak, with Chetak Integral Helicopters, P81 Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft and a Kalvari Class Submarine will be participating in the exercise.

• From the French Navy side, E2C Hawkeye aircraft and helicopters Dauphin and Caiman M embarked, aircraft carrier Charles-de-Gaulle with Rafale M Fighter, Aquitaine-class multi missions frigate FNS Provence with Caiman M Helicopter embarked, Horizon-class air defence destroyer Chevalier Paul, and command and supply ship Var.

• On the completion of the Varuna exercise, the guided-missile frigate INS Tarkash of the Indian Navy will continue to exercise with the Carrier Strike Group of the French Navy from April 28 to May 1, 2021, for best practices and enhance interoperability.

• During this time, the ship will also be taking part in the advanced anti-submarine, surface, and air-defence operations with the French Navy.