The Hindu : National : India, France aero-naval exercise begins

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Wednesday, Apr 07, 2004

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National

India, France aero-naval exercise begins

By Anil Sastry

PANAJI, APRIL 6. The 10-day Indo-French aero-naval exercise, Varuna 2004, began today off the Goa Coast.

The biggest-ever aero-naval exercise, it is the culmination of a series of Indo-French naval exercises initiated in 1998.

The exercise has enabled the two navies, which are of comparable size, to undergo an advanced training and operations together. Varuna 2004 is unique in its duration.

The exercise, which began with the French fleet moving out of the Arabic-Persian Gulf, to be met by the Indian fleet, will end on April 15.

It will also be unique for the number of aircraft and vessels involved. A fleet of six vessels each are participating and they will be placed alternately under French and Indian commands.

The French task force is being represented by a large aero-naval group. The 40,000-ton nuclear powered aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle, which can carry up to 40 aircraft and equipped with the anti-missile system, Aster, an anti-air mission Rafale aircraft, a Super Etendard aircraft for land strikes, an early warning aircraft, Hawkeye E-2C, helicopters, Puma and Dauphin, is a part of the group.

The fleet also includes a destroyer, Montcalm, for anti-submarine warfare, two missile destroyers for anti-air warfare, a nuclear powered attack submarine, Amethyste, and a tanker, Meuse.

Varuna 2004 covers the entire spectrum of naval exercises — anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and air combat. During the exercise, there will be an exchange of naval officers; cross-deck landings of aircraft will also take place.

Far from being individual demonstrations of know-how, the exercise will bring the two navies in full-fledged combat display.

The last day would witness the visit of the French Ambassador, Dominique

Girard, Vice-Admiral Rolin, Commander-in-Chief of the French Maritime Zone in Indian Ocean, and Rear Admiral Mazars, Commander of the French Task to the Mormugao Port and the vessels.

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