Indian, French and UAE forces participated in the first edition of Maritime Partnership Exercise in the Gulf of Oman, Indian defense sources said on Thursday.
Indian Defense Ministry said in a statement that Indian Naval Ship Tarkash and French Ship Surcouf are participating in the exercise that commenced on Wednesday with integral helicopters, French Rafale aircraft and UAE Navy Maritime Patrol Aircraft. “The exercise scheduled over two days will witness a wide spectrum of naval operations such as surface warfare, involving tactical firing and drills for missile engagements on surface targets, helicopter cross deck landing operations, advanced air defence exercise and boarding operations,” the statement said. Cross embarkation of military personnel for exchange of best practises is also part of the exercise. The ministry added that the exercise is intended to strengthen trilateral cooperation between the three navies. It will also help to adopt measures to address traditional and non-traditional threats in the maritime field. Ensuring safety of mercantile trade and freedom of navigation in the high seas of the region is yet another objective of the exercise.
Source: Kuwait News Agency