French Navy frigate FS Aconit (F713) has sailed to the Republic of Cyprus for a joint exercise that is taking place March 11 off the coast of Cyprus.
The search and rescue (SAR) Exercise, titled CYPFRA-01/16, will involve search and rescue (SAR) units and personnel from the Republic of Cyprus and France.
The aeronautical SAR exercise will be conducted under the operational control and coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Larnaca, in close cooperation with the French frigate.
According to the Cypriot ministry of defense, the scenario deals with a simulated maritime accident in which the Cyprus National SAR Plan NEARCHOS, would be immediately implemented by the JRCC Larnaca in order to confront the situation. Specifically, the exercise will focus on daylight SAR operations, MEDEVAC emergency drills and deck-landing of the SAR Helicopters of the Republic of Cyprus onboard the French frigate.
This will be the first exercise on SAR matters in 2016. Republic of Cyprus and the French Navy conducted five such exercises last year.