US, Allies Conduct Multilateral Training in Indo-Pacific
The US Navy’s littoral combat ship Savannah participated in the La Perouse-2025 multilateral training exercise led by the French Navy and other allies and partner nations in the Indian Ocean.
It is revealed that the La Perouse exercise is a multilateral exercise held every two years to demonstrate a shared commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation and support a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
The exercise, named after an 18th-century French naval officer and explorer, is said to be aimed at strengthening maritime security in the region through progressive training and information exchange, using maritime surveillance, interception and air operations.
In addition to the US aircraft carrier Savannah, the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, the Royal Australian Navy’s Hobart-class guided missile destroyer Hobart, the Royal Canadian Navy’s Halifax-class frigate Ottawa, and the Royal Australian Navy’s guided missile destroyers-HMCS Ottawa and HMAS Ottawa participated in the exercise. The Indian Navy’s Delhi-class INS Mumbai and the Royal Malaysian Navy’s Lekiu-class guided missile frigate FFG Lekir and Gagah Samudera-class training ship KD Gagah Samudera participated in the exercise.
The Royal Navy sent the Riverine-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey, while the Singapore Navy sent the Independence-class littoral mission ship RSS Independence.
“It is exciting to have the opportunity to work alongside our foreign partners this week with the Savannah,” said Commodore Matt Scarlett, Destroyer Squadron 7 (DESRON 7), U.S. Navy. “The French and U.S. navies share common priorities and enduring missions in the Indo-Pacific region. Our ability to conduct concerted bilateral operations, exchange information, and engage in realistic scenarios at sea increases joint force interoperability and ensures sustainable maritime security in the region.”
“We welcome the opportunity to operate alongside the French Navy, our long-time friend and ally in the Indo-Pacific,” said Admiral Fred Kacher, commander of the U.S. Navy’s Seventh Fleet. Their La Pérouse exercise underscores the values our European allies hold in this maritime region, and we look forward to strengthening maritime interoperability between our forces.”
