Two French ships, French Navy’s amphibious assault helicopter carrier Tonnerre and Surcouf frigate have arrived at Kochi Port on Tuesday (March 30), to lead the naval exercise ‘La Perouse’ with QUAD members’ Navies. An Indian Navy band welcomed the ships. Senior officers of the Indian Navy were also present at the ceremony.
The joint exercise ‘La Perouse’ is scheduled to take place from April 5 to April 7 in the Bay of Bengal. India, Australia, U.S and Japan QUAD members’ navies are all set to take part in the exercise.
The French ship ‘Tonnerre’ carries more than 600 officers and cadets who will be participating in the exercise. The ship also carries 150 freshly inducted young cadets who will participate in this exercise as the final phase of their traning.
After finishing the exercise, the ships Tonnerre and Surcouf will head for Japan and will get back to France after five months.
