INS Trishul arrives in France for Exercise Varuna

The Indian Navy’s stealth frigate, INS Trishul, arrived at the Toulon naval base in France on September 22, 2026, to participate in the 24th edition of Exercise Varuna. This bilateral maritime exercise between the Indian and French navies includes harbor and at-sea engagements, such as operational interactions and cross-deck visits, aimed at improving interoperability and mutual understanding.

INS Trishul is a Talwar-class Project 11356 frigate that has undergone several recent technological upgrades. These include the integration of a BrahMos-capable Universal Vertical Launching System (UVLM) and the installation of the Atlas Elektronik ACTAS stern-mounted sonar. Other visible upgrades include an anti-torpedo decoy system and electronic warfare equipment produced by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL).

The Varuna exercise is a long-standing component of the India-France maritime partnership, which began in 1993. The exercise has evolved significantly over the decades, growing from modest drills into complex maneuvers involving destroyers, submarines, maritime patrol aircraft, and fighter jets.