Exercise Varuna 2025

Exercise Varuna Latest News

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

About Exercise Varuna

• Bilateral Naval Exercise between India and France, first initiated in 1993.
• Officially named ‘Varuna’ in 2001, it has become a key pillar of Indo-French strategic cooperation.
• The 2025 edition saw high-intensity drills across sub-surface, surface, and aerial domains.
• Key objectives:
  • Enhancing combat readiness.
  • Strengthening joint tactical coordination.
  • Deepening maritime security cooperation.

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Key Highlights of Exercise Varuna 2025

• Aircraft carrier operations:
  • INS Vikrant (India) and Charles de Gaulle (France) participated in joint carrier battle group operations.
  • 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 between: French Rafale-M fighter jets and Indian MiG-29K fighter jets.
  • These exercises improved dogfighting capabilities and joint operational tactics.
• Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Exercises:
  • Indian Scorpene-class submarines played the role of an aggressor.
  • French and Indian frigates protected high-value assets like the French oiler Jacques Chevallier.
  • Underwater domain awareness and tactics were tested.
• Surface warfare operations: Naval fleets executed synchronized engagements and manoeuvres.
  • Maritime patrol aircraft improved situational awareness.
• Logistical cooperation: Replenishment-at-sea exercises strengthened supply chain interoperability.

Other India-France Military Exercises

• FRINJEX: Army Joint Exercise.
• GARUDA: Air Force Exercise.

Exercise Varuna FAQs

Q1: What is Exercise Varuna?

Ans: Exercise Varuna is a bilateral naval exercise conducted between India and France, focusing on maritime security, interoperability, and joint operations.

Q2: When was Exercise Varuna first conducted?

Ans: It was first held in 1993 as part of Indo-French naval cooperation and was officially named “Varuna” in 2001.

Q3: What is the objective of Exercise Varuna?

Ans: The exercise aims to enhance strategic cooperation between the Indian Navy and the French Navy, focusing on anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and naval operations.

Q4: Where is Exercise Varuna conducted?

Ans: The exercise is held in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and occasionally in the Mediterranean Sea, depending on the phase of operations.

Q5: Why is Exercise Varuna important for India?

Ans: It strengthens India’s blue-water naval capabilities, improves interoperability with a major European naval power, and enhances maritime security in the Indo-Pacific.

Source: TH