INS TABAR COMPLETES MARITIME PARTNERSHIP EXERCISE WITH FRENCH NAVY

INS Tabar, on completion of the port visit to Brest, France undertook a maritime partnership exercise with FNS Aquitaine, a French naval Frigate in the Bay of Biscay on 15 and 16 July. A twin-engine helicopter (NH 90) from FNS Aquitaine and four Rafale fighter aircraft from French Navy also participated in the exercise. A wide range of operations like Anti-Submarine, Surface Manoeuvers, Replenishment at Sea approach, Firing on target, Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS), Steam Past, Air Defence, Air Picture Compilation, Vertical Replenishment and cross-deck operations were exercised by the ships. The exercise was mutually beneficial in enhancing interoperability and consolidating combined operations against maritime threats.

As part of the ongoing Overseas Deployment, INS Tabar entered the Port of Brest, France on 12th July. The ship was received by a Ceremonial Guard of the French Navy on arrival in Port. Mr Jawed Ashraf, Ambassador of India to France and Monaco visited the ship and appreciated the ship crew for their contribution to India’s maritime security and in furthering defence cooperation with friendly foreign countries. The Commanding Officer accompanied by the Indian Defence Adviser called on Vice Admiral Olivier Lebas, Commander of Atlantic Maritime Region (CECLANT) at his headquarters in Prefecture Maritime Fort, Brest. The ship dressed overall on the occasion of the Bastille Day (national day of France), as per naval custom. On departure from Port, INS Tabar participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise with French Navy warship FNS Aquitaine.