New Delhi:With an aim to counter Chinese belligerence in the Indo-Pacific region, the Indian Navy on Monday joined the three Quad nations with France naval exercise ‘La P’erouse’ kicked off in Bay of Bengal.
A three-day strategic naval exercise from April 5 to 7, led by the French navy, the three other Quad nations the USA, Australia and Japan will showcase high levels of synergy, coordination and inter-operability between the friendly navies, the Indian Navy spokesperson said.
Indian Navy Ships INS Satpura, with an integral helicopter embarked, and INS Kiltan along with P8I Long Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft have been participating for the first time in multi-lateral maritime exercise with ships and aircraft of French Navy (FN), Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) and United States Navy (USN) during the three day exercise at sea.
The French Navy’s ship Tonnerre, an amphibious assault ship and frigate Surcouf have been participating, the United States Navy is being represented in the exercise by amphibious transport dock ship Somerset whereas Her Majesty’s Australian Ships (HMAS) Anzac, a frigate and tanker Sirius have been deployed by RAN for participation in the exercise while Japan Maritime Self Defence Ship (JMSDF) is represented by the destroyer Akebono.
In addition to the ships, integral helicopters embarked onboard ships will also participate in the exercise.
Exercise La Pérouse will witness complex and advanced naval operations including surface warfare, anti-air warfare and air defence exercises, weapon firing exercises, cross deck flying operations, tactical manoeuvres and seamanship evolutions such as replenishment at sea, the Indian Navy spokesperson added.
Participation by the Indian Navy in the exercise demonstrates the shared values with friendly navies ensuring freedom of seas and commitment to an open, inclusive Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.(UNI)