Indo-French Naval Exercise Varuna 2024

Sub :Sci

Sec :defence

Why in News

The Indo-French bilateral naval exercise Varuna 2024 was conducted off the coast of Goa. This edition of the exercise saw the participation of aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and Charles de Gaulle, with a significant focus on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations.

About Varuna 2024:

The exercise witnessed the participation of India’s INS Vikrant and France’s Charles de Gaulle.
Various aircraft, including Rafale-M fighters, MiG-29Ks, and maritime patrol aircraft, were actively involved in the operations.
Emphasis on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): ASW exercises were a key component, with one Indian submarine acting as the aggressor while Indian and French frigates safeguarded high-value units.
The French oiler Jacques Chevallier played a pivotal role in protection drills.
Operations were conducted across all three domains: sub-surface, surface, and aerial warfare.
Replenishment-at-sea (RAS) drills were conducted to improve logistical cooperation and extended operational endurance.
The French Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has been deployed in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) since November 2024 as part of the Clemenceau 25 mission.

Rafale-M Fighter Jets:

The Rafale M, developed by Dassault Aviation, is a naval adaptation of the Rafale fighter jet specifically designed for carrier-based operations.
Key Features of Rafale M:
- Reinforced Nose and Tail: Strengthened to withstand the stress of catapult launches and arrested landings on aircraft carriers.
- Landing Gear: Specially designed to endure the high-impact forces during carrier landings.
- Operates seamlessly on carriers equipped with CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) Used on the French Navy’s flagship carrier, Charles de Gaulle.
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.8, enabling rapid interception and engagement.
- Combat radius: 1,000+ km, suitable for long-range naval operations.
- Features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for tracking multiple targets simultaneously.
- Capable of carrying a diverse range of armaments, including air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and anti-ship missiles. Compatible with nuclear payloads, adding to its strategic significance.
- Corrosion-resistant coating to withstand the harsh marine environment.
- Folding wings for efficient storage aboard aircraft carriers.