For the very first time ever Indian Navy assets are participating in multi-lateral French maritime exercising La Pérouse. The exercising which has taken off today (April 5-7, 2021) is becoming carried out in the Eastern Indian Ocean Region.
According to the Indian Navy, “this exercise will showcase high levels of synergy, coordination and interoperability between the friendly navies.”
The navies of the Quad are participating in the drill – the US, Australia, Japan, Australia and India. The drill has taken off ahead of the take a look at by the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
And, India joining the drill for the very first time assumes significance as it comes close on the heels of the lately concluded very first Leaders summit of the Quad which was referred to as by the US President Joe Biden.
The participation by the Indian Navy in the drill led by France highlights the shared values with friendly navies, and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a guidelines-based international order, as properly as making sure freedom of seas.
Indian Navy’s assets which are becoming deployed
For the very first time, INS Satpura, with a helicopter on board has been sent out along with INS Kiltan, and the P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft.
The Indian Navy ships and aircraft will be participating in drills at sea with ships and aircraft of French Navy (FN), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and United States Navy (USN).
Assets of other navies
La Pérouse is becoming led by French Navy. FN Ships Tonnerre, an amphibious assault ship and frigate Surcouf are participating.
The US Navy is represented in the exercising by amphibious transport dock ship Somerset.
From Australia, Her Majesty’s Australian Ships (HMAS) Anzac, a frigate and tanker Sirius have been deployed by RAN.
Destroyer Akebono, of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Ship (JMSDF) is there.
Besides the ships, the helicopters which are onboard the ships are participating in the exercising.
Read: For the very first time India and Quad nations to join France for war games
More about the drill
There will be complicated and sophisticated naval operations and these will include things like the surface warfare, weapon firing workout routines, tactical manoeuvres and seamanship evolutions such as replenishment at sea. And cross deck flying operations, and anti-air warfare and air defence workout routines.