Description

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Context:

Recently ,The Indian and French navies commenced the 23rd edition of Exercise Varuna in the Arabian Sea.
This is an annual bilateral naval exercise.
Its aim is to enhance military cooperation between India & France.

Key Details of Exercise Varuna 2025:

Participants:
- Aircraft carriers INS Vikrant (India) & an Indian Scorpene class submarine.
- Charles de Gaulle (France) along with fighter aircraft, destroyers, frigates.
History:
- It was First held in 2001.

Defence Cooperation Between India and France:

Strengthened Military Ties:
- India and France have deepened their defence cooperation through a new defence industrial roadmap.
- This roadmap focuses on co design, co development, & co production of defense equipment.
- It is a significant step towards self reliance in defense technologies.
Upcoming Defence Deals:
- 26 Rafale M fighter jets will be acquired for the INS Vikrant.
- 3 additional Scorpene class submarines are planned to be built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) under Project 75.
- MDL has already successfully built 6 Kalvari-class (Scorpene) These are using French technology.

Source: Newindian

Practice Question

Q. Which submarine class is India planning to build under Project 75 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL)?

A) Kalvari-class
B) Scorpene-class
C) Arihant-class
D) Akula-class

Answer: B) Scorpene-class

Explanation: India plans to build three additional Scorpene-class submarines under Project 75 at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). These submarines will use French technology, as has been the case with the already completed Kalvari-class submarines.