PTI

Vasco, Goa, Apr 2: India and France will carry out joint naval exercises off the Goa coast from Sunday where aircraft carriers, fighter aircraft and submarines would display their prowess and tone up compatibility between the forces of the two countries.

French multi-mission aircraft Rafale and Modernised Super Etendards (MSE) will test its skills against Indian Navy's Sea Harriers and Air Force's Jaguar maritime fighters in seven-day exercises in which French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and Indian aircraft carrier Viraat would participate.

The French navy has despatched its nuclear submarine Saphir, and a fleet of 25 aircraft including multi-mission Rafale, MSEs, Dauphin and Lynx helicopters, Advanced Airborne Warning and Air Control Systems (AWACS) Hawkeye and air surveillance aircraft Atlantique II for the exercises.

Besides Viraat, the Indian task force would comprise guided-missile destroyers Mumbai and Gomti, tanker Aditya and submarine Shankul.