The Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft has made its first-ever deployment in Europe, arriving in France to participate in ‘Exercise Varuna’ with the French Navy.
The 2024 edition of the Indo-French naval exercise is set to take place from September 2 to 4 in the Mediterranean Sea, showcasing advanced tactical drills to bolster the interoperability between the two navies.
A spokesperson for the Indian Navy stated, “This deployment comes 63 years after the Indian Navy’s Alize aircraft, operating from the erstwhile INS Vikrant, last flew at Hyeres Airbase.”
The Indian Navy’s P8I landed at Air Base 125 Istres-Le Tube, France. Meanwhile, INS Tabar, which had earlier docked in Toulon, will also participate in the exercise.
The 21st edition of Varuna (Varuna-23) was previously held in the Arabian Sea, featuring guided missile frigates, tankers, Maritime Patrol Aircraft, and helicopters.
Initiated in 1993, the bilateral naval exercise between the Indian and French navies was renamed ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has since symbolised the strong strategic partnership between the two nations.
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