French ships to take part in joint exercise with ENC

The visiting ships of the French Navy will be participating in a joint exercise with the Eastern Fleet of the Indian Navy on June 21 and 22.

The two star attractions of the French Navy -- the Landing Helicopter Dock Dixmude and stealth frigate FLF Aconit -- would participate in the exercise as part of the bilateral cooperation with Indian Navy during their week-long courtesy call, Minister Counsellor from the Embassy of France in India Jean-Marc Sere-Charlet said addressing media on board FNS Dixmude here on Thursday.

“LHD Dixmude participated in the recent evacuation of civilians from Yemen along with other navies and we were inspired by the excellent role played by INS Mumbai,” commanding officer of FNS Dixmude Captain Piere de Briançon said. The operation was an excellent opportunity for the officers undergoing training on the ship, he added.

The group was scheduled to call on Kochi but had to cancel it. “Visakhapatnam is the only port of call in India. The group is scheduled to reach Toulon by the end of July,” commanding officer of FLF Aconit Captain Jean-Pierre Helluy said.

Military operations and bilateral cooperation actions have been integrated into the mission.