Egyptian and French naval forces began on Monday joint naval exercises using Egypt’s Mistral helicopter carrier, after receiving it from France earlier this month.

The exercises, dubbed Cleopatra 2016, will last for several days, state news agency MENA reported quoting an army statement. The exact location of the exercises has not been specified.

The exercises will include a number of activities such as both forces planning and carrying out naval offences.

Egypt purchased two Mistral carriers from France. The contract for the two Mistral carriers, which was finalised in September last year, was valued at 950 million euros.‎

The country is scheduled to receive the second carrier in September.