The Indian Air Force already has Rafale aircraft.
New Delhi: Europe’s most powerful warship Charles de Gaulle has arrived in India. The nuclear aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle has arrived in the Indian Ocean with the French Navy’s Carrier Strike Group (CSG).
It is being told that after nearly 40 years, France has sent its CSG to the Indo-Pacific region. The French fleet will take part in the Varuna naval exercise with the Indian Navy off the Goa coast. The aim of this naval exercise is to strengthen maritime security in the area.
Rafale fighter jets are stationed on Charles de Gaulle and they have the power to carry out a nuclear attack. It is believed that France has sent its carrier strike group to this area to send a strong message to China which is flexing its military muscles in the Indo-Pacific region.
The French Carrier Strike Group has come under the French Navy’s Mission Clemenceau 25 to protect the country’s interests in the Indo-Pacific region. At the same time, it can contribute to European campaigns in this area.
The French Navy said that the Carrier Strike Group has been carrying out joint training with regional partners, especially India. During this exercise, the operational process of each other’s soldiers on the warships of both countries will be practiced. Also, the exercise to deal with the threat from air, surface and water will be conducted.
After conducting exercises with India, the French warship and crew will leave for Indonesia. From there, it will go to Japan via the South China Sea. In this entire area, the Chinese Navy is reportedly trying to assert its dominance.
In its statement, France described India as the closest strategic partner since 1998. French warships often visit India and both countries carry out action against smuggling, illegal fishing, and relief and rescue operations in the Indian Ocean.
The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier weighs 42,500 tonnes and is powered by nuclear power. France is the only country after the USA whose nuclear aircraft carrier has arrived in India.
Charles de Gaulle is equipped with the Rafale fighter jet which India is also buying for Indian Navy. The Indian Air Force (IAF) already has Rafale aircraft. The Indian Navy has also purchased the Scorpene submarine from France.
