The 23rd edition of the bilateral naval exercise VARUNA, which showcases the strong maritime partnership between India and France, is scheduled to take place from March 19 to March 22, 2025. Since its inception in 2001, this annual exercise has evolved into a vital platform for boosting naval interoperability and operational collaboration between the two countries. VARUNA 2025 promises to deliver an impressive exhibition of maritime capabilities across various domains, featuring aircraft carriers Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, along with fighter jets, destroyers, frigates, and a Scorpene-class submarine. The exercise is designed to enhance coordination in air defense, anti-submarine warfare, and surface combat, further solidifying the shared commitment to maintaining a free, open, and secure maritime environment.
Naval Assets Involved
- Aircraft carriers INS Vikrant (India) & Charles de Gaulle (France)
- Fighter aircraft MiG-29K (India) and Rafale-M (France)
- Destroyers, frigates, and an Indian Scorpene-class submarine
Major Exercises & Drills
- Air Defence & Fighter Exercises: Mock air-to-air combat between Rafale-M and MiG-29K
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): Enhancing underwater domain awareness
- Surface Warfare Operations: Coordinated fleet manoeuvres and combat simulations
- Maritime Patrol Aircraft Operations: Boosting situational awareness
- Replenishment-at-Sea Exercises: Strengthening logistical cooperation
