Exercise Varuna 2025 |ForumIAS

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News– The Indian and French Navies are preparing for the 23rd edition of their bilateral naval exercise, VARUNA 2025.

About Exercise Varuna

It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and France.
Started in: 1993.The exercise was named ‘VARUNA’ in 2001.
Varuna 2025 key highlights
- It is the 23rd edition of the exercise and will take place in the Arabian Sea.
- The exercise will focus on joint operations across sub-surface, surface, and aerial domains, reinforcing interoperability between the two navies.
- Aircraft carriers in action: The Indian Navy’s INS Vikrant and the French Navy’s Charles de Gaulle will participate. They will be joined by fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine, showcasing the operational strength of both forces.
- Advanced air defence drills: The exercise will feature mock air-to-air combat scenarios, pitting French Rafale-M fighters against Indian MiG-29K jets, enhancing tactical coordination and combat readiness.

Other Exercises between India and France

Exercise Garuda: It is a bilateral exercise between the Indian and French Air Force.The first edition of the exercise was held in 2003.
Exercise SHAKTI: It is a biennial military exercise conducted between India and France.It was first conducted in the year 2011.
Exercise La Pérouse: It is a multilateral maritime exercise led by the French Navy. The Indian Navy participated in this exercise for the first time in 2021.

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