The Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft has landed at Air Base 125 Istres-Le Tube in France to participate in the 22nd edition of Exercise Varuna with the French Navy.
Exercise Varuna 2024
The Indian Navy’s P-8I aircraft has landed at Air Base 125 Istres-Le Tube in France, marking its first-ever deployment in Europe, to participate in the 22nd edition of Exercise Varuna with the French Navy. This deployment comes 63 years after the Indian Navy’s Alize aircraft, operating from the erstwhile INS Vikrant, last flew at Hyeres Airbase, according to a statement released by the Indian Navy.
The India-France bilateral naval Exercise Varuna is set to be conducted in the Mediterranean Sea from September 2-4. The exercise will include advanced tactical exercises underscoring the deepening synergy and interoperability between the navies of India and France.
•While the bilateral exercise b/w the two navies was initiated in 1993, it was christened as ‘VARUNA’ in 2001 and has become a hallmark of India – France strategic bilateral relationship.
Aim Of The Exercise
Units of both navies will endeavour to hone their war-fighting skills in maritime theatre, enhance their inter-operability to undertake multi-discipline operations in the maritime domain and demonstrate their ability as an integrated force to promote peace, security and stability in the region. The exercise facilitates operational level interaction b/w the two navies to foster mutual cooperation for good order at sea, underscoring the shared commitment of both nations to security, safety and freedom of the global maritime commons.
Other Defence Exercises
•Garuda – Air exercise
•Desert Knight – Air exercise
•Shakti – Army exercise
