Strengthening Maritime Security: La Perouse Exercise Unites Indo-Pacific Navies
The Indian Ocean recently witnessed a powerful display of international cooperation as the biennial multilateral exercise La Perouse brought together navies from across the globe. This exercise, named after the 18th-century French naval officer and explorer, underscores a shared commitment to enhancing maritime security and fostering a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Designed to advance regional security through maritime surveillance, interdiction, and air operations, La Perouse emphasizes progressive training and facts sharing. It provides a unique platform for U.S. and allied navies to integrate their efforts,focusing on collaboration,warfighting,and readiness in a dynamic theater.
“USS Savannah’s opportunity to operate with our foreign partners this week was exciting. the French and American navies have shared priorities and an enduring mission in the Indo-Pacific,” said Capt. Matt Scarlett, commodore of Destroyer Squadron 7. “our ability to conduct consistent bilateral operations, conduct information sharing, and participate in realistic scenarios at sea increases our interoperability as a joint force and ensures sustained maritime security in the region.”
The French Navy played a pivotal role in the exercise, with their Charles de Gaulle carrier strike group represented by the aircraft carrier FS Charles de Gaulle (R91). Operating in the Indo-Pacific as part of their Clemenceau 25 deployment,the french navy demonstrated its commitment to the region.
“We welcome the opportunity to operate alongside the French navy, our friend and longtime ally, out here in the Indo-Pacific,” said vice Adm. Fred Kacher, commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet. “Their exercise La Perouse underscores the value our European allies place on this critical maritime region,and we look forward to advancing interoperability at sea between our forces.”
The exercise saw participation from a diverse array of naval units, including the Royal Australian Navy’s HMAS Hobart (DDG 39), the Royal Canadian Navy’s HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341), and the Indian Navy’s INS Mumbai (D 62). Other participants included the Royal Malaysian Navy’s FFG Lekir (FFG 30) and KD Gagah Samudera (271),the royal Navy’s HMS Spey (P 234),and the Republic of Singapore Navy’s RSS Independence (15).
As the U.S. Navy’s forward-deployed DESRON in Southeast Asia, DESRON 7 plays a critical role in building partnerships through training, exercises, and military-to-military engagements. The U.S. 7th fleet, the navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet, continues to interact and operate with allies and partners to preserve a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Key Highlights of La Perouse 2025
| Participating Navies | Key Units | Focus areas |
|————————–|—————|—————–|
| French Navy | FS Charles de gaulle (R91) | Maritime surveillance, air operations |
| U.S. Navy | USS Savannah | Interoperability, information sharing |
| Indian Navy | INS Mumbai (D 62) | maritime security, collaboration |
| Royal Australian Navy | HMAS Hobart (DDG 39) | Warfighting, readiness |
| Royal Canadian Navy | HMCS Ottawa (FFH 341) | Training, interdiction |
La Perouse 2025 not only strengthened maritime bonds across the Indo-Pacific but also highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation in addressing regional challenges. By enhancing interoperability and building trust, the participating navies reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a secure and stable maritime environment.
For more insights into the Indo-Pacific’s strategic maritime exercises, explore the latest updates on La Perouse and its impact on global security.
