14th Edition of Indo-French Naval Exercise: VARUNA Features

14th Edition of Indo-French Naval Exercise: VARUNA Features

Question - The 14th edition of Indo-French naval exercise VARUNA recently concluded. Discuss the key features of this joint naval exercise.

• The 14th edition of Indo-French naval exercise VARUNA was held in Goa

• It was a 10 day long exercise

• It included both harbour and sea phase

• French side was represented by the following weapons systems:

- Aircraft Carrier Charles de Gaulle
- Destroyers Chevalier and Jean de Vienne
- Replenishment tank Meuse
- Maritime Patrol Aircraft Atlantique 2
- Fighter aircraft Rafale M
- Strike Aircraft Super Entendard
- E2C Hawkeye AWACS
- Helicopters Dauphin and Alouette 3

• The Indian side was represented by the following:

- Aircraft Carrier INS Viraat
- Destroyer Mumbai
- Stealth Frigate Tarkash
- Guided Missile Frigate Gomati
- Replenishment Tank Deepak
- Submarine Shankul
- Fast Attack Crafts
- Carrier borne fighter aircraft Sea Harriers
- Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft P-81
- Dorniers
- Integral Helicopters Chetak and Seaking 42B

• Scope of VARUNA exercise covered complete gamut of maritime operations including:

- Aircraft Carrier Operations
- Anti-Submarine Warfare Exercises
- Maritime Interdiction Operations
- Multiple-Ship Replenishment Exercise

• Both navies systematically and gradually increased the professional content and complexity of joint exercises

• Mutual benefit of both navies were aimed

• Exercises were for developing Standard Operating Procedures in field of Joint Maritime Air Operations Planning and Carrier Operational Capabilities

• Other joint exercises:

- Coordinated Anti-Submarine Exercises,
- Surface Exercises,
- Cross Deck Flying,
- Damage Control and Fire Fighting,
- Air Defence,
- Firing Drills,
- Air to Sea Firing,
- Tactical Exercises and
- Visit Board Search and Seize Operations

• These exercises were aimed at improving the fighting efficiency of combat forces

• It also improved interoperability of the 2 navies

• Close ties between the two nations were also showcased

Facts and Stats

• Relations between India and France have been close since the establishment of strategic partnership in 1988

• Indian and French navy have been conducting joint exercises since 1983

• These exercises were named VARUNA in 2001 following the establishment of a strategic partnership

• Till date 13 such exercises have been conducted

• Exercise VARUNA 12 was conducted in the Mediterranean Sea off Toulon