Department of Defence Royal Australian Navy ships HMAS Anzac and HMAS Sirius will join vessels from France, India, Japan and the United States for the French-led maritime Exercise La Perouse. This annual exercise will be conducted in the Bay of Bengal from 5-7 April 2021. Minister for Defence the Hon Peter Dutton MP welcomed the exercise, saying Australia’s participation highlights the importance of building and maintaining strong navy-to-navy relationships in the region. “This exercise will see an Australian frigate and auxiliary oiler conduct a range of activities, including officer-of-the-watch manoeuvres, replenishments at sea and flying operations,” Mr Dutton said. “Exercise La Perouse will also demonstrate the complementary capability of our partner nations and highlight our shared commitment to a stable and secure Indo-Pacific.”