Exercise Varuna 2025

Exercise Varuna 2025: This was the 23rd edition of the India-France bilateral naval exercise, was conducted in the Arabian Sea from March 19–22, 2025.

• About Exercise Varuna: It is a bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France, first initiated in 1993.

o Officially named 'Varuna' in 2001; a key pillar of Indo-French strategic cooperation.

o The 2025 edition featured high-intensity drills across sub-surface, surface, and aerial domains.

• Key Objectives: Enhancing combat readiness → strengthening joint tactical coordination → deepening maritime security cooperation.
• Key Highlights of Exercise Varuna 2025:
• Aircraft Carrier Operations: INS Vikrant (India) and Charles de Gaulle (France) participated in joint carrier battle group operations.

o The Indian Navy closely observed the Rafale-M fighter jets, which India is set to acquire soon.

• Air Combat Drills: Advanced air defence and mock air-to-air combat scenarios conducted between French Rafale-M fighter jets & Indian MiG-29K fighter jets.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Exercises: Indian Scorpene-class submarines acted as the aggressor & French and Indian frigates safeguarded high-value assets like the French oiler Jacques Chevallier.

o Tested underwater domain awareness and ASW tactics.

• Surface Warfare Operations: Naval fleets performed synchronized engagements and manoeuvres, and maritime patrol aircraft enhanced situational awareness.
• Logistical Cooperation: Replenishment-at-sea exercises improved supply chain interoperability.
• Other India-France Military Exercises: FRINJEX (Army Joint Exercise) & GARUDA Air Force Exercise)