Indian Navy's P8I aircraft arrived in France for the 22nd edition of Exercise Varun.
The exercise will involve advanced tactical exercises highlighting the deep coordination and interoperability between the navies of India and France.
Paris: Indian A Navy P-81 aircraft has landed at Air Base 125 Istres-Le Tube in France, deploying for the first time in Europe to participate in the 22nd edition of Exercise Varun with the French Navy. This deployment comes after 63 years of Indians A Navy aircraft operated by the erstwhile INS Vikrant took its last flight from Hyeres Airbase, a statement released by Indian said. Navy. The India-France bilateral naval exercise Varun will be held from September 2 to 4 in the Mediterranean Sea. The exercise will include advanced tactical exercises that will highlight deep coordination and interoperability between India's navies. and France.
In a post on X, an Indian A Navy spokesperson said, “Indo-French cooperation has grown exponentially! P-81 aircraft of the #IndianNavy landed at Airbase 125 Istres-Le Tube, deploying for the #first time in Europe for the 22nd edition of Exercise #Varuna with the #FrenchNavy.”
“This deployment comes after 63 years A Naval Allied aircraft operating from INS Vikrant took off for the last time from Hyeres Airbase. This advanced tactical exercise underscores the enhanced synergy and mutual respect between our navies,” the spokesperson added.
Indian And a bilateral naval exercise by the French Navy was launched in 1993. Later in 2001 it was renamed as 'Varuna' and since then it has become the hallmark of strong India.– France Strategic bilateral ties, the Ministry of Defense said in an earlier press release.
As the scope and complexity has increased over the years, the exercise provides an opportunity to learn from each other's best practices and procedures, according to an earlier press release from the Ministry of Defence. The exercise also facilitates interaction at the operational level between the two navies to enhance mutual cooperation for maritime order, underscoring their shared commitment to ensuring the safety, security and independence of the global maritime commons.
