Exercise La Perouse

La Perouse Exercise, a multilateral naval exercise, is set to take place in the Indian Ocean Region from March 13 to 14, 2023. This exercise is the third iteration of the series and involves the participation of six countries – Australia, France, India, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Organized by the French Navy, the La Perouse Exercise aims to improve maritime coordination and awareness amongst the participating navies in the Indo-Pacific Region. The exercise serves as an opportunity for like-minded navies to strengthen their partnerships and enhance their interoperability.

Participating Countries and Navy Ships

The six participating countries will send their navy ships to the exercise. The French Navy will send its amphibious assault ship FS Tonnerre and frigate FS La Fayette, the Royal Australian Navy will send HMAS Ballarat, the Royal Navy will send HMS Defender, and the United States Navy will send USS Ralph Johnson. India will be represented by INS Sahyadri, an indigenously built stealth guided missile destroyer, and INS Jyoti, a replenishment tanker.

Advanced Naval Operations

The two-day exercise includes advanced naval operations, such as anti-submarine warfare, air defense, and surface warfare drills. The navies will also practice communication, search and rescue, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Importance of La Perouse Exercise

The La Perouse Exercise is important in the context of the Indo-Pacific Region, which has emerged as a critical theater of geopolitical competition. The exercise will provide a platform for the participating navies to enhance their interoperability and improve their coordination in the event of any maritime security threat.