After Five Years, RMN and French Navy Resume Bilateral Maritime Exercise

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – After a five-year hiatus, the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) and the French Navy have resumed bilateral maritime exercises under the “La Perouse” banner.

The last time the two navies participated in such an exercise was in 2021.

“This achievement underscores the commitment of both nations to enhancing operational capabilities and readiness through the exchange of knowledge and best practices, while fostering confidence and strengthening diplomatic ties between Malaysia and France.”

“The execution of the La Perouse 2025 Exercise in Penang also serves as a critical preparation platform for the RMN, which is scheduled to host the ASEAN Navy Chiefs’ Meeting (ANCM), the ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX), and the ASEAN Fleet Review in the state this coming August,” the RMN said in a statement.

As part of La Perouse 2025, the RMN successfully conducted joint exercises with the French Navy, marked by the participation of the air defense destroyer FS Forbin.

The exercise, designed as a Field Training Exercise (FTX), leveraged the presence of the French Navy vessel in the Strait of Malacca to promote Indo-Pacific cooperation with ASEAN nations, focusing on maritime security in the region.

The exercise aimed to enhance maritime engagement and interoperability between the RMN and the French Navy in addressing shared maritime challenges and safeguarding regional maritime security.

The exercise was divided into two phases:

• Harbor Phase (January 13–15, 2025): Held in Penang, this phase included operational discussions, ship visits, sports interactions, and an official reception.

• Sea Phase (January 16–18, 2025): Conducted in the Strait of Malacca, it featured surface and air warfare training as well as a Photo Exercise (PHOTEX).

Participating assets included RMN ships KD Lekir and KD Gagah Samudera, TLDM Fast Combat Boats, and two F/A-18D fighter jets from the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF).

The French Navy contributed the destroyer FS Forbin and an AS565 Panther helicopter.

“The sea exercises focused on surface and air warfare aspects, aiming to enhance technical and operational capabilities while improving the interoperability of both navies.”

Throughout the sea phase, several training scenarios were executed, including the Simulated Local Air Defense Exercise (SIMADEX), Air Defense Exercise (ADEX), Surface Firing Exercise (SURFEX), Advance Interdiction and Boarding Exercise (BOARDEX), and Photo Exercise (PHOTEX), according to the RMN.

The drills not only improved the tactical capabilities of both nations but also strengthened the readiness of RMN assets and personnel in handling complex maritime scenarios.

– DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA