India, France begin naval exercises
Dated 27/3/2006
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New Delhi: India and France began their first joint naval exercises off India's west coast Monday.
The exercises include coordinated operation of the INS Viraat and the Charles de Gaulle, cross-deck operations by the Indian Navy's Sea Harrier aircraft from the deck of the Charles de Gaulle and participation by the Indian Air Force.
A news report said the Varuna series of exercises between the navies began in 2001 and has grown in scope and complexity over the years. The last exercises were held in November 2005 in the Gulf of Aden.
"Five Indian Navy surface combatants, one submarine and different types of shore-based fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft will participate in the exercises," an Indian Navy statement said.
The Navy said it will field a guided-missile destroyer, guided-missile frigates, fleet-replenishment tankers and a submarine, and "the Indian Air Force will fly its Anglo-French origin Jaguar and Canberra aircraft."
The French task force comprises a nuclear-propelled aircraft carrier, two guided missile destroyers, a fleet replenishment tanker, a nuclear-powered submarine and maritime patrol aircraft, operating from Goa.
The Indian Navy said a major thrust area will be dissimilar air combat between the Sea Harrier aircraft taking off the Viraat, and the Rafale and Super Standards of the Charles de Gaulle.
The French task force also has one Royal Navy frigate, HMS Lancaster, embedded within it.
