With Rafale Marine jets onboard, French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle arrives in India
French Navy’s nuclear-powered FNS Charles de Gaulle made a stopover at Goa’s Mormugao port trust jetty on Jan 04. French carrier strike group is making its stopover in India as part of its Mission CLEMENCEAU 25. As Charles de Gaulle arrived in India, it carried the Naval version of Rafale Fighter jet, ‘Rafale Marine’. During its stopover in Goa and Kochi, Rafale M jets will be holding war-games with Rafale operated by Indian Air Force. Notably, India is aiming to finalise the 26 Rafale M marine fighter jet deal for the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. Rafale M is a naval version of the Rafale fighter jet which is designed specifically for carrier-based operations. During Mission CLEMENCEAU 25, the Charles de Gaulle CSG and Indian Navy will hold 42nd annual Varuna bilateral exercise. The aim of the aero-naval training b/w India, France is to develop interoperability so that forces deal with multiple threat.
