News Analysis India

Tag: Indian Navy

  • Navy locates sunken Chinese fishing vessel in Indian Ocean, relays position to PLA

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy’s P8I maritime patrol aircraft located a Chinese fishing vessel that capsized three days ago in the Indian Ocean, officials said.

    The position of the boat was “relayed” to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships for further assistance, they said.

    The Chinese vessel named ‘Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028’ with 39 crew members overturned on Tuesday in the central part of the Indian Ocean following which navies of a number of countries including India and Australia extended help to locate the vessel.

    The Indian Navy deployed its P8I maritime patrol aircraft on Wednesday and Thursday to help in the search and rescue of the vessel.

    “Continuing with the search and rescue efforts, Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft undertook an extensive search in the area and located the capsized fishing vessel on May 18,” the Navy said on Friday.

    “The position of the capsized boat was relayed to PLA (Navy) warships for further assistance. Subsequently, P8I also sighted the fishing vessel’s liferaft and guided fishing vessel Lu Peng Yuan Yu 017 towards it,” it said.

    On Thursday, the Navy said it deployed its air maritime reconnaissance assets in the Southern Indian Ocean region approximately 900 nautical miles from India to trace the Chinese vessel.

    The crew of the vessel includes nationals from China, Indonesia and the Philippines.

    “In a display of India’s obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy units also coordinated search and rescue efforts with other units in the area and guided the PLA (Navy) warships transiting to the scene of the incident,” the Indian Navy said.

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy’s P8I maritime patrol aircraft located a Chinese fishing vessel that capsized three days ago in the Indian Ocean, officials said.

    The position of the boat was “relayed” to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy warships for further assistance, they said.

    The Chinese vessel named ‘Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028’ with 39 crew members overturned on Tuesday in the central part of the Indian Ocean following which navies of a number of countries including India and Australia extended help to locate the vessel.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The Indian Navy deployed its P8I maritime patrol aircraft on Wednesday and Thursday to help in the search and rescue of the vessel.

    “Continuing with the search and rescue efforts, Indian Navy’s P8I aircraft undertook an extensive search in the area and located the capsized fishing vessel on May 18,” the Navy said on Friday.

    “The position of the capsized boat was relayed to PLA (Navy) warships for further assistance. Subsequently, P8I also sighted the fishing vessel’s liferaft and guided fishing vessel Lu Peng Yuan Yu 017 towards it,” it said.

    On Thursday, the Navy said it deployed its air maritime reconnaissance assets in the Southern Indian Ocean region approximately 900 nautical miles from India to trace the Chinese vessel.

    The crew of the vessel includes nationals from China, Indonesia and the Philippines.

    “In a display of India’s obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy units also coordinated search and rescue efforts with other units in the area and guided the PLA (Navy) warships transiting to the scene of the incident,” the Indian Navy said.

  • Indian Navy carries out extensive searches for Chinese fishing vessel that sank with 39 on board

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In a swift humanitarian response, the Indian Navy deployed its Air Maritime Reconnaissance assets in the Southern Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to search for a Chinese fishing vessel which sank with 39 crew on board.

    The vessel, Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028, sank approximately 900 nautical miles from India with the crew including nationals from China, Indonesia and Philippines.

    The Indian Navy said, “P8I aircraft have carried out multiple and extensive searches despite adverse weather and located multiple objects possibly belonging to the sunken vessel.” The P-8I aircraft is the Indian Navy’s long-range, multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft.

    In addition, as an immediate response, “Search and rescue (SAR) equipment was deployed at the scene by the Indian aircraft on request of PLA (N) ships closing the area,” the Navy added.

    In a display of India’s obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy units also coordinated SAR efforts with other units in the area and guided the PLA (N) warships transiting to the scene of the incident, said the Indian Navy.

    ALSO READ | Govt keen on ‘all women’ R-Day parade in 2024

    “The Indian Navy continues to remain deployed to provide all possible assistance to the ongoing SAR efforts,” it added.

    The Indian Ocean Region comprises the Indian Ocean and the countries that border it including Australia, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Somalia, Tanzania, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

    The Indian Ocean is the third largest water body in the world with vital sea lanes of communication crisscrossing it and plays an important role in running Asia’s largest economies. Other than the commercial fishing done in the area, around 80 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through this ocean which is the connecting link between the east and the west.

    NEW DELHI: In a swift humanitarian response, the Indian Navy deployed its Air Maritime Reconnaissance assets in the Southern Indian Ocean Region (IOR) to search for a Chinese fishing vessel which sank with 39 crew on board.

    The vessel, Lu Peng Yuan Yu 028, sank approximately 900 nautical miles from India with the crew including nationals from China, Indonesia and Philippines.

    The Indian Navy said, “P8I aircraft have carried out multiple and extensive searches despite adverse weather and located multiple objects possibly belonging to the sunken vessel.” The P-8I aircraft is the Indian Navy’s long-range, multi-mission maritime patrol aircraft.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    In addition, as an immediate response, “Search and rescue (SAR) equipment was deployed at the scene by the Indian aircraft on request of PLA (N) ships closing the area,” the Navy added.

    In a display of India’s obligations as a credible and responsible partner for ensuring safety at sea, the Indian Navy units also coordinated SAR efforts with other units in the area and guided the PLA (N) warships transiting to the scene of the incident, said the Indian Navy.

    ALSO READ | Govt keen on ‘all women’ R-Day parade in 2024

    “The Indian Navy continues to remain deployed to provide all possible assistance to the ongoing SAR efforts,” it added.

    The Indian Ocean Region comprises the Indian Ocean and the countries that border it including Australia, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Madagascar, Somalia, Tanzania, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

    The Indian Ocean is the third largest water body in the world with vital sea lanes of communication crisscrossing it and plays an important role in running Asia’s largest economies. Other than the commercial fishing done in the area, around 80 per cent of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes through this ocean which is the connecting link between the east and the west.

  • India, ASEAN first naval exercise today

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  In the process to take India-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relationship to the next level Admiral R Hari Kumar, Indian Navy chief, reached Singapore on Monday to participate in the Inaugural ASEAN India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023).

    The AIME-2023, scheduled to be held in two phases from May 2 -8 and two Indian Naval Ships (INSs) Satpura and Delhi also reached Singapore on Monday, to participate in the exercise. The Indian Navy said, “The Harbour Phase of the exercise is scheduled to be held at Changi Naval Base from May 2 to 4 and the Sea Phase will be conducted from May 7 to 8 in the South China Sea.”

    The exercise will provide “an opportunity for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work closely and conduct seamless operations in the maritime domain,” the Navy added.

    The ships, during their port call at Singapore, will also participate in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX-23) and International Maritime Security Conference being hosted by Singapore.

    INS Delhi, India’s first indigenously-built guided missile destroyer and INS Satpura, an indigenously-built guided missile stealth frigate are a part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam.

    NEW DELHI:  In the process to take India-ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) relationship to the next level Admiral R Hari Kumar, Indian Navy chief, reached Singapore on Monday to participate in the Inaugural ASEAN India Maritime Exercise (AIME-2023).

    The AIME-2023, scheduled to be held in two phases from May 2 -8 and two Indian Naval Ships (INSs) Satpura and Delhi also reached Singapore on Monday, to participate in the exercise. The Indian Navy said, “The Harbour Phase of the exercise is scheduled to be held at Changi Naval Base from May 2 to 4 and the Sea Phase will be conducted from May 7 to 8 in the South China Sea.”

    The exercise will provide “an opportunity for Indian Navy and ASEAN navies to work closely and conduct seamless operations in the maritime domain,” the Navy added.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The ships, during their port call at Singapore, will also participate in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX-23) and International Maritime Security Conference being hosted by Singapore.

    INS Delhi, India’s first indigenously-built guided missile destroyer and INS Satpura, an indigenously-built guided missile stealth frigate are a part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam.

  • India engaged with Qatari authorities as second hearing of Navy veterans to be held in May

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: It’s been three weeks since individual charges were levelled against the eight former Indian navy veterans in Doha. However, there is no clarity on what these charges are.

    The second judicial hearing under Qatari law is expected in May and the Indian embassy in Doha is providing consular and legal assistance.

    “We are engaged with the Qatari authorities and are in touch with the families of the officers living in Doha,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told The New Indian Express.

    The officers are calling their families every week back home in India, but from hope and optimism of repatriation, fear of the unknown has set in.

    ALSO READ | No respite for eight Indian Navy veterans detained in Qatar as trial continues

    The officials were made to sign some documents on the day the charges were levelled against them and nobody has a clue on what they could be as details aren’t known yet.

    The judicial trial is based on Qatari law and there is no clarity on what this beholds. Dahra Consultancies is taking care of the incidentals it is learnt.

    The loss is not just in terms of the time that has gone by since the fateful night of August 30, 2022 when these eight were picked up individually from their houses by officials of Qatar’s interior ministry — but also of events. Marriages of children have taken place without the fathers gracing the occasion, some children have joined university while others have taken up jobs.

    The most tragic is the condition of the mothers of these veterans who are over 80 years old and have no clue on how much longer they may have to wait to see their sons in person again.

    NEW DELHI: It’s been three weeks since individual charges were levelled against the eight former Indian navy veterans in Doha. However, there is no clarity on what these charges are.

    The second judicial hearing under Qatari law is expected in May and the Indian embassy in Doha is providing consular and legal assistance.

    “We are engaged with the Qatari authorities and are in touch with the families of the officers living in Doha,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi told The New Indian Express.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    The officers are calling their families every week back home in India, but from hope and optimism of repatriation, fear of the unknown has set in.

    ALSO READ | No respite for eight Indian Navy veterans detained in Qatar as trial continues

    The officials were made to sign some documents on the day the charges were levelled against them and nobody has a clue on what they could be as details aren’t known yet.

    The judicial trial is based on Qatari law and there is no clarity on what this beholds. Dahra Consultancies is taking care of the incidentals it is learnt.

    The loss is not just in terms of the time that has gone by since the fateful night of August 30, 2022 when these eight were picked up individually from their houses by officials of Qatar’s interior ministry — but also of events. Marriages of children have taken place without the fathers gracing the occasion, some children have joined university while others have taken up jobs.

    The most tragic is the condition of the mothers of these veterans who are over 80 years old and have no clue on how much longer they may have to wait to see their sons in person again.

  • Cabinet Committee on Security likely to seal Rafale-M deal today

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to clear the multi-billion dollar acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighters at its meeting on Wednesday.

    Sources said that the Indian Navy has expressed its preference for the French fighter aircraft Rafale Marine over US’ F-18 Super Hornet. A proposal for the purchase of Rafale Marine has been sent to the CCS.

    The Indian Air Force has already acquired 36 Rafale fighters. The commonality of the fleet and the resultant savings on training, repairs and maintenance have reportedly tilted the scale in favour of Dassault’s Rafale Marine. The two versions of the aircraft have over 80 per cent common features.

    These aircraft will be deployed on India’s indigenously developed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. According to sources, the Ministry of Defence has worked out a comprehensive contract, including Performance-based Logistics, which will ensure that the Original Equipment Manufacturer will be responsible for the overall maintenance of the aircraft and the supply of spares. Dassault will also build a maintenance facility for the Rafales on INS Vikrant, besides one in Goa. The company will train the naval aviation ground crew, besides training the pilots.

    The fighters will be fully loaded with all maritime systems, including the maritime search radar that is capable of detecting submarines and warships in the sea. The price of the aircraft has not been revealed yet, but sources said it will be considerably lower than the IAF version. The government has decided to make the acquisition through an inter-governmental agreement rather than going in for an open tender.

    Rafale-M has been locked in a tight fight with Boeing’s Super Hornet. Sources said the Indian Navy brass was mighty impressed by the Rafale’s capabilities during a joint exercise in India recently and asked the ministry of defence to close the deal with the French vendor.

    The Indian Navy has been exploring options to replace its ageing MiG-29K as a short-term solution. India has been working on developing its own twin-engine deck-based fighters as a long-term solution to its need for carrier-based fighters. But since there are still some years before the aircraft is indigenously developed, the Navy has decided to go in for the acquisition to meet its requirement. The CCS includes the ministers for defence, home, finance, and external affairs and the national security advisor.

    NEW DELHI: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to clear the multi-billion dollar acquisition of 26 Rafale Marine fighters at its meeting on Wednesday.

    Sources said that the Indian Navy has expressed its preference for the French fighter aircraft Rafale Marine over US’ F-18 Super Hornet. A proposal for the purchase of Rafale Marine has been sent to the CCS.

    The Indian Air Force has already acquired 36 Rafale fighters. The commonality of the fleet and the resultant savings on training, repairs and maintenance have reportedly tilted the scale in favour of Dassault’s Rafale Marine. The two versions of the aircraft have over 80 per cent common features.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    These aircraft will be deployed on India’s indigenously developed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant. According to sources, the Ministry of Defence has worked out a comprehensive contract, including Performance-based Logistics, which will ensure that the Original Equipment Manufacturer will be responsible for the overall maintenance of the aircraft and the supply of spares. Dassault will also build a maintenance facility for the Rafales on INS Vikrant, besides one in Goa. The company will train the naval aviation ground crew, besides training the pilots.

    The fighters will be fully loaded with all maritime systems, including the maritime search radar that is capable of detecting submarines and warships in the sea. The price of the aircraft has not been revealed yet, but sources said it will be considerably lower than the IAF version. The government has decided to make the acquisition through an inter-governmental agreement rather than going in for an open tender.

    Rafale-M has been locked in a tight fight with Boeing’s Super Hornet. Sources said the Indian Navy brass was mighty impressed by the Rafale’s capabilities during a joint exercise in India recently and asked the ministry of defence to close the deal with the French vendor.

    The Indian Navy has been exploring options to replace its ageing MiG-29K as a short-term solution. India has been working on developing its own twin-engine deck-based fighters as a long-term solution to its need for carrier-based fighters. But since there are still some years before the aircraft is indigenously developed, the Navy has decided to go in for the acquisition to meet its requirement. The CCS includes the ministers for defence, home, finance, and external affairs and the national security advisor.

  • Navy Chief awards on-the-spot Unit Citation INS Nireekshak for daring salvage operation

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Admiral R Hari Kumar on Monday awarded ‘on the spot’ Unit Citation to the INS Nireekshak for carrying out the deepest salvage in the country’s waters. The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Adm R Hari Kumar visited INS Nireekshak at Kochi on Monday.

    The Indian Navy in a statement said, “CNS interacted with the diving team of the ship involved in the salvage operations at a depth of 219 meters in the Arabian Sea and commended the ship on the safe and successful conduct of the operations under most challenging circumstances.”

    The Navy Chief also awarded commendations to the crew involved in the salvage operation.  

    During his address to the ship’s crew, the CNS complimented the dedicated effort of the ship in conducting the deep diving operations. He exhorted the undaunted spirit of the ‘Men Behind the Machine’.

    Nireekshak had also recently completed a solemn dive off the Gujarat coast to pay homage by laying a wreath at 80 m depth, the resting site of erstwhile Khukri which sank during the 1971 war.

    INS Nireekshak is a Dive Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel (DSSRV). Built by Mazagon Shipbuilders in 1985, the ship has been in service with the Navy since 1989 and was commissioned in the year 1995. She has been part of various diving operations and holds the record for the deepest dive carried out in the country to a depth of 257 m.

    NEW DELHI: Admiral R Hari Kumar on Monday awarded ‘on the spot’ Unit Citation to the INS Nireekshak for carrying out the deepest salvage in the country’s waters. The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Adm R Hari Kumar visited INS Nireekshak at Kochi on Monday.

    The Indian Navy in a statement said, “CNS interacted with the diving team of the ship involved in the salvage operations at a depth of 219 meters in the Arabian Sea and commended the ship on the safe and successful conduct of the operations under most challenging circumstances.”

    The Navy Chief also awarded commendations to the crew involved in the salvage operation.  

    During his address to the ship’s crew, the CNS complimented the dedicated effort of the ship in conducting the deep diving operations. He exhorted the undaunted spirit of the ‘Men Behind the Machine’.

    Nireekshak had also recently completed a solemn dive off the Gujarat coast to pay homage by laying a wreath at 80 m depth, the resting site of erstwhile Khukri which sank during the 1971 war.

    INS Nireekshak is a Dive Support and Submarine Rescue Vessel (DSSRV). Built by Mazagon Shipbuilders in 1985, the ship has been in service with the Navy since 1989 and was commissioned in the year 1995. She has been part of various diving operations and holds the record for the deepest dive carried out in the country to a depth of 257 m.

  • India and France ink pact for submarine’s AIP certification; to be fitted onboard INS Kalvari

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: In an important development which could help in boosting Indian Navy’s underwater combat capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Naval Group, France have inked a pact on Monday for the design certification of the energy module and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP).

     It will be ready to be fitted on board INS Kalvari once it is due for major refit.

    The AIP once fitted onboard a submarine acts as a force multiplier to its capability by enhancing the submerged endurance of the boat several fold.

    In comparison to the AIP systems being used by the navies worldwide, the indigenous fuel cell-based AIP is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard. In 2021, the land-based prototype of the NMRL’s AIP was tested successfully.

    “This new endeavour between DRDO (NMRL) and Naval Group France will be a very significant step towards the detailed design certification of the energy module, which will be performed by NMRL along with Indian industry and design of the platforms impacted by the integration of the indigenous AIP inside the Indian submarine by Naval Group,” the DRDO said.

    “These actions will seamlessly lead the way to start localization and industrialization of AIP including the hull fabrication by the Indian industry for future fitment on-board the submarines.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman & CEO at Naval Group congratulated the team by saying “We are very proud to cooperate with Indian stakeholders to safely integrate the DRDO AIP in the Kalvari class submarines built by MDL.”

    “This is a natural extension of strategic bilateral cooperation shared between France and India in the field of underwater defence and deterrence and in spirit of Naval Group’s continued commitment towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat policy,” he added.

    In October 2019, the DRDO had announced a breakthrough in the fuel cell-based AIP system for Indian Naval Submarines.

    It must be noted that Pakistan already operates submarines fitted with the AIP system. Also, the Chinese warships and submarines have increased their maritime patrolling of the Indian Ocean.

    NEW DELHI: In an important development which could help in boosting Indian Navy’s underwater combat capabilities, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Naval Group, France have inked a pact on Monday for the design certification of the energy module and Air Independent Propulsion (AIP).

     It will be ready to be fitted on board INS Kalvari once it is due for major refit.

    The AIP once fitted onboard a submarine acts as a force multiplier to its capability by enhancing the submerged endurance of the boat several fold.

    In comparison to the AIP systems being used by the navies worldwide, the indigenous fuel cell-based AIP is unique as the hydrogen is generated onboard. In 2021, the land-based prototype of the NMRL’s AIP was tested successfully.

    “This new endeavour between DRDO (NMRL) and Naval Group France will be a very significant step towards the detailed design certification of the energy module, which will be performed by NMRL along with Indian industry and design of the platforms impacted by the integration of the indigenous AIP inside the Indian submarine by Naval Group,” the DRDO said.

    “These actions will seamlessly lead the way to start localization and industrialization of AIP including the hull fabrication by the Indian industry for future fitment on-board the submarines.”

    Speaking on the occasion, Mr Pierre Eric Pommellet, Chairman & CEO at Naval Group congratulated the team by saying “We are very proud to cooperate with Indian stakeholders to safely integrate the DRDO AIP in the Kalvari class submarines built by MDL.”

    “This is a natural extension of strategic bilateral cooperation shared between France and India in the field of underwater defence and deterrence and in spirit of Naval Group’s continued commitment towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat policy,” he added.

    In October 2019, the DRDO had announced a breakthrough in the fuel cell-based AIP system for Indian Naval Submarines.

    It must be noted that Pakistan already operates submarines fitted with the AIP system. Also, the Chinese warships and submarines have increased their maritime patrolling of the Indian Ocean.

  • Indian Navy to induct new destroyer on Sunday

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI:  The Indian Navy’s latest indigenous guided stealth missile destroyer, Mormugao would be be commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on December 18. Mormugao was built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDSL) as part of the Project 15B destroyers or the Visakhapatnam-class. On November 24, the MDSL delivered the ship to the Indian Navy. The event marks the formal induction of the two of the four Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. 

    “The ships under this project will have 75 percent indigenous content and this includes weapons and sensors also,” according to sources. Not only the indigenous content has gone up with the subsequent projects, it has also led to speed up into the construction period. The 15B is the third such indigenous project to manufacture modern destroyers with Project 15 (Delhi Class) having 42 percent indigenous content which was raised to 57 percent in the Project 15A (Kolkata Class). 

    Mormugao is packed with sophisticated ‘state of the art’ weapons and sensors such as Surface to Surface Missile and Surface to Air Missiles. The ship is fitted with a modern Surveillance Radar which provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems of the ship.

    NEW DELHI:  The Indian Navy’s latest indigenous guided stealth missile destroyer, Mormugao would be be commissioned by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai on December 18. Mormugao was built at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd (MDSL) as part of the Project 15B destroyers or the Visakhapatnam-class. On November 24, the MDSL delivered the ship to the Indian Navy. The event marks the formal induction of the two of the four Visakhapatnam-class destroyers. 

    “The ships under this project will have 75 percent indigenous content and this includes weapons and sensors also,” according to sources. Not only the indigenous content has gone up with the subsequent projects, it has also led to speed up into the construction period. The 15B is the third such indigenous project to manufacture modern destroyers with Project 15 (Delhi Class) having 42 percent indigenous content which was raised to 57 percent in the Project 15A (Kolkata Class). 

    Mormugao is packed with sophisticated ‘state of the art’ weapons and sensors such as Surface to Surface Missile and Surface to Air Missiles. The ship is fitted with a modern Surveillance Radar which provides target data to the gunnery weapon systems of the ship.

  • Navy has second thoughts on acquiring Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy has decided to forgo its plan to have the bigger Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2) and is pushing for the repeat order of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1) inducted recently as Indian Naval Ship Vikrant.

    Addressing media persons ahead of Indian Navy Day 2022 in New Delhi, Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said: “As far as IAC-2 is concerned, we are still working on various aspects such as its size and the capabilities desired. Right now we have put on hold the order since we had only recently commissioned Vikrant. We are very happy with the ship, and the way it performed in the trials. A lot of expertise has been gained in building IAC-1 in the Cochin shipyard. A lot of ancillary industries have come up which is Atma Nirbhar in full bloom.“

    “We are also examining if we should repeat order an IAC-1 instead of going for an IAC-2 to capitalize on the expertise available in the country. This is now in the discussion stage and we have not firmed up our mind nor have we taken it to the Government.”

    ALSO READ | Integration of aircraft with INS Vikrant likely by May-June next year: Navy chief

    Sources in the Indian Navy had said: “The idea of junking off the IAC2 project is basically due to the funding constraint. It would have required over Rs 50,000 crore for life cycle cost for around 40 years.”

    The Indian Navy has been pushing for a third aircraft carrier, weighing 65,000 tons with a nuclear-propulsion system. The IAC2 would have been able to house around 55 aircraft, including 35 fixed-wing combat aircraft and 20 rotary-wing aircraft.

    An aircraft carrier, the officer asserted, adds to the surge capability as the fighter jets operating from land will always have their limitations.

    As reported earlier by The New Indian Express, the officials had said, given the Chinese belligerence in the Indian Ocean, the country will have to extend air power into far-off areas like the Malacca Strait on one side and the Gulf of Aden on the other.

    “Concentration of force is a principle of war. If you have two operationally ready carriers, you can be active in two areas. If needed, you can move it, bringing a different environment to the battle.”

    The IAC-2 would have been equipped with a catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) aircraft launch system. CATOBAR is a system used for the launch and recovery of aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier. It enhances the aircraft’s payload capacity.

    Currently, the Indian Navy has two aircraft carriers – INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant in its inventory. But, INS Vikrant is yet to get operationalized in the waters.

    Both the carriers are short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) designs, using an angled bow/ski-jump to provide additional lift for embarked aircraft on take-off.

    As per the officials, the push for having three aircraft carriers has been with the aim that “You need to have two aircraft carriers in operation while another one in maintenance.”, it suits the operational requirements given the situation with China and Pakistan.

    Admiral Hari Kumar, speaking on eight former Indian Navy officials detained in Qatar, said, “This has been taken up with all agencies involved and at the highest leadership in the country. There is a continuous effort and we are hopeful that it will be resolved.”

    ALSO READ | INS Vikrant fine but what about China?: Owaisi asks PM Modi

    Indian Navy has been always working towards being a gender-neutral force and, the Chief informed, that a total of 3,000 Agniveers have joined the Sailor’s training facility at INS Chilka in November, out of which 341 are women. Adding further, CNS also announced that from next year women officers will be inducted across all branches.

    Speaking on the presence of Chinese ships, research vessels and fishing ships in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) he said that there are about 4-6 Navy ships, then some research vessels and also fishing vessels as also around 60 odd ships of extra-regional forces. “We always keep an eye and ensure that they do not undertake any inimical activities.”

    The process of acquiring the 30 high altitudes, long endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is going on. “It is at a stage where we are discussing the rationalisation of the numbers. The Indian Navy is currently operating with two HALE UAS on lease and “their performance is quite good.”

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy has decided to forgo its plan to have the bigger Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-2) and is pushing for the repeat order of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC-1) inducted recently as Indian Naval Ship Vikrant.

    Addressing media persons ahead of Indian Navy Day 2022 in New Delhi, Indian Navy chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said: “As far as IAC-2 is concerned, we are still working on various aspects such as its size and the capabilities desired. Right now we have put on hold the order since we had only recently commissioned Vikrant. We are very happy with the ship, and the way it performed in the trials. A lot of expertise has been gained in building IAC-1 in the Cochin shipyard. A lot of ancillary industries have come up which is Atma Nirbhar in full bloom.“

    “We are also examining if we should repeat order an IAC-1 instead of going for an IAC-2 to capitalize on the expertise available in the country. This is now in the discussion stage and we have not firmed up our mind nor have we taken it to the Government.”

    ALSO READ | Integration of aircraft with INS Vikrant likely by May-June next year: Navy chief

    Sources in the Indian Navy had said: “The idea of junking off the IAC2 project is basically due to the funding constraint. It would have required over Rs 50,000 crore for life cycle cost for around 40 years.”

    The Indian Navy has been pushing for a third aircraft carrier, weighing 65,000 tons with a nuclear-propulsion system. The IAC2 would have been able to house around 55 aircraft, including 35 fixed-wing combat aircraft and 20 rotary-wing aircraft.

    An aircraft carrier, the officer asserted, adds to the surge capability as the fighter jets operating from land will always have their limitations.

    As reported earlier by The New Indian Express, the officials had said, given the Chinese belligerence in the Indian Ocean, the country will have to extend air power into far-off areas like the Malacca Strait on one side and the Gulf of Aden on the other.

    “Concentration of force is a principle of war. If you have two operationally ready carriers, you can be active in two areas. If needed, you can move it, bringing a different environment to the battle.”

    The IAC-2 would have been equipped with a catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) aircraft launch system. CATOBAR is a system used for the launch and recovery of aircraft from the deck of an aircraft carrier. It enhances the aircraft’s payload capacity.

    Currently, the Indian Navy has two aircraft carriers – INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant in its inventory. But, INS Vikrant is yet to get operationalized in the waters.

    Both the carriers are short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) designs, using an angled bow/ski-jump to provide additional lift for embarked aircraft on take-off.

    As per the officials, the push for having three aircraft carriers has been with the aim that “You need to have two aircraft carriers in operation while another one in maintenance.”, it suits the operational requirements given the situation with China and Pakistan.

    Admiral Hari Kumar, speaking on eight former Indian Navy officials detained in Qatar, said, “This has been taken up with all agencies involved and at the highest leadership in the country. There is a continuous effort and we are hopeful that it will be resolved.”

    ALSO READ | INS Vikrant fine but what about China?: Owaisi asks PM Modi

    Indian Navy has been always working towards being a gender-neutral force and, the Chief informed, that a total of 3,000 Agniveers have joined the Sailor’s training facility at INS Chilka in November, out of which 341 are women. Adding further, CNS also announced that from next year women officers will be inducted across all branches.

    Speaking on the presence of Chinese ships, research vessels and fishing ships in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) he said that there are about 4-6 Navy ships, then some research vessels and also fishing vessels as also around 60 odd ships of extra-regional forces. “We always keep an eye and ensure that they do not undertake any inimical activities.”

    The process of acquiring the 30 high altitudes, long endurance (HALE) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) is going on. “It is at a stage where we are discussing the rationalisation of the numbers. The Indian Navy is currently operating with two HALE UAS on lease and “their performance is quite good.”

  • ‘Mission Atmanirbhar’: Navy aims to become self-reliant by 2047, says Chief Admiral Kumar

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy is contemplating whether to go for indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) II or prefer a repeat order for the IAC I, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Saturday while setting a timeline of 2047 for making his force ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant).

    Addressing a press conference ahead of Navy Day, Admiral Kumar said the proposed procurement of a fleet of Predator drones from the US is under process and that the Navy is on course for a major capability enhancement to deal with myriad security challenges.

    The Chief of Naval Staff also said that an exercise is underway in the force to shed the colonial past as “we strongly support the view that we have to get away from this “Ghulami ki mansikta” (slave mentality).

    On modernisation of the Navy, he said assurances have been given to the government that the force will become ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) by 2047 and several measures are being initiated to meet the target.

    He also said that the Navy keeps a strong vigil over the movements of various Chinese military and research vessels in the Indian Ocean Region.

    “We are still working on what size it should be and what its capabilities should be. Right now we have put a hold on it because we have just commissioned INS Vikrant. We are quite happy with the ship. The way the ship performed in the trial,” Admiral Kumar said when asked about the IAC II.

    The Navy has been making a strong push for having the IAC-II having a displacement of 65,000 tonnes which was estimated to cost close to Rs 50,000 with the envisaged specifications.

    India’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant (IAC I) was commissioned in September.

    The aircraft carrier, with a displacement of 40,000 tonnes, was built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore.

    The Chief of Naval Staff also said that the Navy is examining whether it should look at the repeat order of the IAC I instead of going for the IAC II.

    “It (IAC I) was ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliant) in full bloom. So We are also currently examining whether we should look at the repeat order of the IAC I instead of going for the IAC II to capitalize on the equities which are available to the country,” he said.

    “It is right now at the discussion stage. We have not yet firmed up our mind nor have we taken it up to the government,” Admiral Kumar said.

    People familiar with the issue said the cost of building the IAC II was a major discussion point as there has been a view in the defence establishment that the Navy should focus on enhancing its fleet of submarines rather than spending close to Rs 50,000 crore on the aircraft carrier.

    The Navy has been pitching for three aircraft carriers to deal with China’s growing naval prowess and its growing influence over the Indian Ocean region.

    At present, India has two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

    INS Vikramaditya is a Russian-origin platform.

    The Navy Chief also said that the Light Combat Aircraft (naval version) project will significantly help in developing the proposed next-generation deck-based fighters.

    “This is helping us in developing the next generation fighters to be operated from the deck which is something called the twin engine deck-based fighters,” he said.

    “We are preparing the draft cabinet note for that. We are confident that by 2026, we should have the prototype,” he said.

    The Navy Chief said production of the aircraft would start by 2032.

    He also said that his force achieved a very high operational tempo in the last one year and that there has been greater emphasis on the criticality of maritime security as India marches ahead.

    “The government has given us clear guidelines on Atmanirbhar Bharat. We have given assurances that the Indian Navy will become Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) by 2047,” the Navy Chief said.

    He said that operationally, the Navy had a very intense and engaging time in the last year. He also said that commissioning of aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was a landmark event for India.

    The Navy Chief said his force’s aim is to have Made-in-India security solutions for the country. Admiral Kumar said around 3,000 Agniveers have arrived in the Navy out of which 341 are women. For the first time, we are inducting women sailors, he said.

    Asked about the procurement of the Predator drones, he said the case for it is under process.

    The original proposal was to procure 30 MQ-9B Predator armed drones at a cost of over USD 3 billion to crank up India’s surveillance apparatus along the frontier with China as well as in the Indian Ocean region.

    “The case for the procurement is under process. We are discussing whether the numbers have to be rationalised,” he said.

    The MQ-9B drone is a variant of the MQ-9 “Reaper” which was used to launch a modified version of the Hellfire missile that eliminated al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in the heart of Kabul last month.

    In 2020, the Indian Navy had taken on lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from General Atomics for a period of one year for surveillance in the Indian Ocean.

    The lease period has been extended subsequently. “We have gained good experiences while operating the leased drones,” Admiral Kumar said.

    NEW DELHI: The Indian Navy is contemplating whether to go for indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC) II or prefer a repeat order for the IAC I, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar said on Saturday while setting a timeline of 2047 for making his force ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant).

    Addressing a press conference ahead of Navy Day, Admiral Kumar said the proposed procurement of a fleet of Predator drones from the US is under process and that the Navy is on course for a major capability enhancement to deal with myriad security challenges.

    The Chief of Naval Staff also said that an exercise is underway in the force to shed the colonial past as “we strongly support the view that we have to get away from this “Ghulami ki mansikta” (slave mentality).

    On modernisation of the Navy, he said assurances have been given to the government that the force will become ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant) by 2047 and several measures are being initiated to meet the target.

    He also said that the Navy keeps a strong vigil over the movements of various Chinese military and research vessels in the Indian Ocean Region.

    “We are still working on what size it should be and what its capabilities should be. Right now we have put a hold on it because we have just commissioned INS Vikrant. We are quite happy with the ship. The way the ship performed in the trial,” Admiral Kumar said when asked about the IAC II.

    The Navy has been making a strong push for having the IAC-II having a displacement of 65,000 tonnes which was estimated to cost close to Rs 50,000 with the envisaged specifications.

    India’s first indigenously-built aircraft carrier INS Vikrant (IAC I) was commissioned in September.

    The aircraft carrier, with a displacement of 40,000 tonnes, was built at a cost of around Rs 23,000 crore.

    The Chief of Naval Staff also said that the Navy is examining whether it should look at the repeat order of the IAC I instead of going for the IAC II.

    “It (IAC I) was ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliant) in full bloom. So We are also currently examining whether we should look at the repeat order of the IAC I instead of going for the IAC II to capitalize on the equities which are available to the country,” he said.

    “It is right now at the discussion stage. We have not yet firmed up our mind nor have we taken it up to the government,” Admiral Kumar said.

    People familiar with the issue said the cost of building the IAC II was a major discussion point as there has been a view in the defence establishment that the Navy should focus on enhancing its fleet of submarines rather than spending close to Rs 50,000 crore on the aircraft carrier.

    The Navy has been pitching for three aircraft carriers to deal with China’s growing naval prowess and its growing influence over the Indian Ocean region.

    At present, India has two aircraft carriers — INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant.

    INS Vikramaditya is a Russian-origin platform.

    The Navy Chief also said that the Light Combat Aircraft (naval version) project will significantly help in developing the proposed next-generation deck-based fighters.

    “This is helping us in developing the next generation fighters to be operated from the deck which is something called the twin engine deck-based fighters,” he said.

    “We are preparing the draft cabinet note for that. We are confident that by 2026, we should have the prototype,” he said.

    The Navy Chief said production of the aircraft would start by 2032.

    He also said that his force achieved a very high operational tempo in the last one year and that there has been greater emphasis on the criticality of maritime security as India marches ahead.

    “The government has given us clear guidelines on Atmanirbhar Bharat. We have given assurances that the Indian Navy will become Atmanirbhar (self-reliant) by 2047,” the Navy Chief said.

    He said that operationally, the Navy had a very intense and engaging time in the last year. He also said that commissioning of aircraft carrier INS Vikrant was a landmark event for India.

    The Navy Chief said his force’s aim is to have Made-in-India security solutions for the country. Admiral Kumar said around 3,000 Agniveers have arrived in the Navy out of which 341 are women. For the first time, we are inducting women sailors, he said.

    Asked about the procurement of the Predator drones, he said the case for it is under process.

    The original proposal was to procure 30 MQ-9B Predator armed drones at a cost of over USD 3 billion to crank up India’s surveillance apparatus along the frontier with China as well as in the Indian Ocean region.

    “The case for the procurement is under process. We are discussing whether the numbers have to be rationalised,” he said.

    The MQ-9B drone is a variant of the MQ-9 “Reaper” which was used to launch a modified version of the Hellfire missile that eliminated al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in the heart of Kabul last month.

    In 2020, the Indian Navy had taken on lease two MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones from General Atomics for a period of one year for surveillance in the Indian Ocean.

    The lease period has been extended subsequently. “We have gained good experiences while operating the leased drones,” Admiral Kumar said.