Indian Navy Developments & Discussions

[black eagle]

Navy retires INS Vagli, India down to 14 subs

NEW DELHI: The last of India's Foxtrot-class submarines, INS Vagli, will retire after 36 years of operational service on Thursday. But the well-deserved nostalgia over INS Vagli's yeoman service should come with a harsh reality check.

India is now down to just 14 ageing submarines, with only eight to nine operational at any given time. It will get progressively worse. By the time Navy gets the first of the six Scorpene submarines being built at Mazagon Docks in 2015 — the Rs 23,562-crore project is already running three years behind schedule — only 10 submarines will be operational.

Latest projections, in fact, show India will have only five of the existing 10 Russian Kilo-class and four German HDW submarines by 2020. And only two by 2022.

Even if the six Scorpenes manage to roll out between 2015 and 2020, as is now expected, India will have a grand total of just eight to nine diesel-electric submarines by 2022.

This when the requirement is for at least 18 conventional submarines, with both China and Pakistan rapidly bolstering their underwater combat capabilities.

It, once again, underlines India's sheer lack of long-term strategic planning to systematically build military capabilities in tune with geo-political objectives, despite big bucks being spent on defence acquisitions in recent years.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-retires-INS-Vagli-India-down-to-14-subs/articleshow/7068747.cms

 

[black eagle]

Navy retires INS Vagli, India down to 14 subs

NEW DELHI: The last of India's Foxtrot-class submarines, INS Vagli, will retire after 36 years of operational service on Thursday. But the well-deserved nostalgia over INS Vagli's yeoman service should come with a harsh reality check.

India is now down to just 14 ageing submarines, with only eight to nine operational at any given time. It will get progressively worse. By the time Navy gets the first of the six Scorpene submarines being built at Mazagon Docks in 2015 — the Rs 23,562-crore project is already running three years behind schedule — only 10 submarines will be operational.

Latest projections, in fact, show India will have only five of the existing 10 Russian Kilo-class and four German HDW submarines by 2020. And only two by 2022.

Even if the six Scorpenes manage to roll out between 2015 and 2020, as is now expected, India will have a grand total of just eight to nine diesel-electric submarines by 2022.

This when the requirement is for at least 18 conventional submarines, with both China and Pakistan rapidly bolstering their underwater combat capabilities.

It, once again, underlines India's sheer lack of long-term strategic planning to systematically build military capabilities in tune with geo-political objectives, despite big bucks being spent on defence acquisitions in recent years.


http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Navy-retires-INS-Vagli-India-down-to-14-subs/articleshow/7068747.cms

Can't believe these submarines were still in service. Even by their look & design they look old. When i visited the kursura in vizag 2-3 years back i thought all of these were decommissioned. The sub arm of the navy will be in deep trouble if not rescued soon...

 

[RPK]

http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=68321


Admiral Nirmal Verma Visits Sri Lanka on the Occasion of Sri Lankan Navy's 60th Year Celebrations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

15:52 IST
The Sri Lankan Navy celebrates its 60th anniversary today. Admiral Nirmal Verma, Chief of Naval Staff is in attendance as a guest for the celebrations. IN ships Mysore and Tarangini are on a port visit to Colombo in association with the celebrations.

In addition to Admiral Nirmal Verma, the function is also being attended by the Chiefs of Australian Navy, Pakistan Navy, Bangladesh Navy, UAE Navy, and the Maldivian National Defence Force. The four day celebrations include a symposium on maritime matters, a sailing competition and other interactions between the various participants.

The Indian Navy has an enduring relationship with the Sri Lankan Navy. India's commitment to the capacity building and the capability enhancement of the SLN is manifest in numerous ways. The Indian government has extended a line of credit of 100 Million dollars towards this effort. It may be recalled that India had gifted an Off shore Patrol vessel (OPV) to the Sri Lankan Navy, now operated as SLN Sayura. In addition two Coast Guard OPVs are also on lease to the SLN. The Indian Navy also provides extensive training support for the Sri Lankan Navy.

PVS

 

[Armand2REP]

Can't believe these submarines were still in service. Even by their look & design they look old. When i visited the kursura in vizag 2-3 years back i thought all of these were decommissioned. The sub arm of the navy will be in deep trouble if not rescued soon...

There is still time, GoI just needs to get off their buts and start signing contracts.

 

[RPK]

Daredevil stunts mark Navy Week celebrations in Gujarat

To mark Navy Week celebrations, officials of the Indian Navy put on a display of daredevil stunts and conducted mock rescue operations in the coastal city of Porbandar.

The celebrations included various performances by the Navy officers like shooting, mock rescue operations with the help of helicopters, shifting goods from one ship to another under emergency conditions.

Surendra Ahuja, a captain with the Indian Navy, said that the Indian Navy is ready to face any challenge.

"Our job is not only related to war. Whenever some tragedy takes place or some humanitarian issue like the Tsunami, at that time all the ships of Indian Navy helped in all places like Andaman and Nicobar, Visakhapatnam. Our Indian Navy ships also went to Indonesia. So our Indian Navy ships are used for other purposes other than just preparing for war," he said.

The civilian public is also permitted to be a part of Navy Week celebrations, and many visited the military ships and saw air displays.

Indian Navy Day is celebrated on December 4. (ANI)

 

[black eagle]

Vagli retirement photos...

[Indian Navy Statement] The Indian Navy decommissioned one of her oldest units, INS Vagli in a solemn ceremony at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam today, 09 Dec 10. The Commissioning Commanding Officer of INS Vagli, Captain (Retd) Lalit Talwar was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He along with the Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anup Singh witnessed the lowering of the National Flag and the Naval Ensign for the last time. To mark the completion of her services, a paying off pennant was lowered after sunset to the soul stirring Last Post sounded by the Naval Band. The Commanding Officer, Commander Ajay Bhatia thereafter ceremonially reported to the FOC-in-C Admiral Anup Singh that INS Vagli was decommissioned. Several dignitaries from all over India, including the crew who originally manned her at her commissioning in 1974 arrived at Visakhapatnam to attend the Ceremony.

INS Vagli, a Foxtrot class submarine Type 641B, was commissioned by then Lieutenant Commander Lalit Talwar on 10 Aug 1974 at Riga, Latvia, in the erstwhile Soviet Union. She was the first of the 'Vela' class of submarines to be commissioned into the Indian Navy. INS Vagli has completed 36 years of dedicated service under 23 Commanding Officers and is probably the oldest submarine of its class in the world and definitely the oldest unit in the Indian Navy. The submarine has in her operational life participated in almost all major tactical exercises off both the sea boards and elsewhere. The first submarine to be based at Mumbai, Vagli later shifted base port to Visakhapatnam in 1993. Despite being the oldest unit in commission in the Indian Navy, Vagli continued to serve with distinction. Even in its last Operational cycle she completed 137 days at sea and 1232 dived hours. That the Indian Navy was able to operate a boat of this vintage so effectively also bears testimony to the dedication and skills of generations of maintainers and operators.

http://livefist.blogspot.com/2010/12/indias-last-foxtrot-class-sub-vagli.html

 

[RPK]

Indian Navy floats interest for 2 free Swimming Deep Submergence Rescue Vessels

http://frontierindia.net/indian-nav...free-swimming-deep-submergence-rescue-vessels

By Frontier India | December 16th, 2010 | Category: Indian Navy News | No Comments »

Indian Navy says that it intends to procure two kits of free swimming deep submergence rescue vessels (DSRV) and associated equipment for operation from diving support vessels (DSV's) or mother ships.

Indian Navy has requested information from firms who have designed and constructed a modern free swimming DSRV which is currently in service with any navy or under going sea trials. The final date for submissions is 17 January 2011. One of the parameters Indian Navy is looking for is continuous operation for 72 hrs.

Although, the number of submarines in Indian navy is dwindling, it is expected to field two nuclear submarines in near future. Indian navy has limited experience in handling the nuclear submarines. In addition, the existing submarines are not of new make. Indian Navy recently retired last of its Foxtrot submarines.

On 10 January 2008, INS Sindhughosh had met with an accident. (Ramifications of INS Sindhughosh accident). We had said


The second ramification is the absence of a Deep Sea Rescue Vehicle (DSRV). The Canadian contract for a DSRV is under investigation of corruption. Indian Navy has not purchased another one. It is a wake up call. The status of India-U.S. agreement for Submarine rescue is not yet clear.

 

[RPK]

Russian shipbuilders ask for $100 million to complete frigates for India
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20101216/161799583.html


Russian shipbuilding plant Yantar has asked Russia's state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, for an additional $100 million to complete construction of three frigates for the Indian Navy, Russian business daily Kommersant said on Thursday.

A $1.6-billion contract on the construction of the ships was signed in summer 2006. Although the ships were scheduled for completion by 2011-2012, a lack of funds has delayed construction, the paper said.

"The lack of funding is linked to the VAT refund problem: we will only receive [the money] after the frigates have been supplied to India," Igor Orlov, the director general of the Kaliningrad-based plant, told the paper.

A source close to Rosoboronexport told Kommersant the Indian side was aware of the issue and was treating it "with understanding."

"We are not considering increasing the contract price for India," the source said. "We propose the problem be settled using domestic reserves, including those of the United Shipbuilding Corporation."

Russian shipyards have struggled to complete Indian naval contracts on time and budget on several occasions. The price of a refit for the the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier has been almost doubled, and its completion date was put back from 2008 to late 2012.

MOSCOW, December 16 (RIA Novosti)

 

[SHASH2K2]

Russian shipbuilders ask for $100 million to complete frigates for India​

Russian shipbuilding plant Yantar has asked Russia's state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, for an additional $100 million to complete construction of three frigates for the Indian Navy, Russian business daily Kommersant said on Thursday.

A $1.6-billion contract on the construction of the ships was signed in summer 2006. Although the ships were scheduled for completion by 2011-2012, a lack of funds has delayed construction, the paper said.

"The lack of funding is linked to the VAT refund problem: we will only receive [the money] after the frigates have been supplied to India," Igor Orlov, the director general of the Kaliningrad-based plant, told the paper.

A source close to Rosoboronexport told Kommersant the Indian side was aware of the issue and was treating it "with understanding."

"We are not considering increasing the contract price for India," the source said. "We propose the problem be settled using domestic reserves, including those of the United Shipbuilding Corporation."

Russian shipyards have struggled to complete Indian naval contracts on time and budget on several occasions. The price of a refit for the the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier has been almost doubled, and its completion date was put back from 2008 to late 2012.

 

[Parthy]

Indian Navy, Royal Thailand Navy Jointly Patrol Eastern Indian Ocean Region

11th Cycle of the India - Thailand Coordinated Patrol (INDO-THAI CORPAT) commenced in the Andaman Sea on 16 Nov 10. Whereas Indian Navy is represented by INS Tarasa of the Andaman & Nicobar Command, the Royal Thailand Navy was represented by HTMS Longlom.

The first such CORPAT with the Royal Thailand Navy was held in 2006. The subsequent series of Coordinated Patrols with the Thai Navy have resulted in enhanced mutual confidence levels between the two defence forces. Consequently poaching by Thai trawlers in our waters has shown a significant decrease due to stringent measures put in place by the Thai government.

As Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) a series of basic Naval drills and communication exercises are being conducted between the two warships during the course of the coordinated patrol. Indian Navy's Maritime Patrol Aircraft, theDorniers are also conducting the Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) sorties in patrol areas, as a coordinated sea - air patrol.

The closing ceremony of the 11th Cycle INDO-THAI CORPAT was held at Phuket on 23 Nov 10. Major General NP Padhi, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Andaman & Nicobar Command was the senior officer representing India during the closing ceremony.


http://www.india-defence.com/reports-4906

 

[Armand2REP]

Russia may hike price of Talwar frigates by $100 million

Baltic Shipyard "Yantar" notified "Rosoboronexport" the need to renegotiate the contract for the construction of three frigates of Project 1135.6 for the Indian Navy, the newspaper Kommersant. The plant has requested additional funding in the amount of one hundred million dollars, as well as an increase in terms of building ships. Currently, the cost of the contract with India signed in 2006 is 1.6 billion dollars.

Additional funds would venture to replenish working capital. "Lack of oborotki largely related to the problem of reimbursement of value added tax, which we can obtain only after the delivery to India of three frigates," - the newspaper quoted Director General of "Amber" by Igor Orlov. According to him, Rosoboronexport could participate in the implementation of the contract for its working capital, as well as be responsible for the execution of the agreement.

Guide Rosoboronexport official situation has not commented, but a source close to the SOEs, said that "the problem will be resolved through internal resources, including the United Shipbuilding Corporation, which includes the" Amber ". To this end the India touches only the postponement of delivery of finished vehicles, while the value of the contract for the Indian military would not be increased.

In total, India has ordered from Russia six frigates of Project 1135.6 two contracts. The first three frigates worth over a billion dollars for the Indian military was building the Baltic Plant, a subsidiary of United Industrial Corporation. Three ships under the first contract were transferred to the Indian Navy in 2003-2004, with a year late. Then India has requested a late penalty to $ 40 million, but the "Rosoboronexport" to resolve this issue by agreeing to deduct this amount from the value of the second contract.

Total displacement frigates of Project 1135.6 is four thousand tons, and the length of the body - 124.8 meters. Ships can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots and range of their voyage is 4,5 thousand miles (8,3 thousand kilometers). The first frigate - the "Tag" - "Amber" was launched in November 2009 and the second - "Tarkash" - in June of 2010. As expected, these ships will be transferred to the military in 2011 and 2012. Is currently under construction of the third vehicle Trikand.

It should be noted that if the contract with India will be changed, it will be the second case review military agreements with this country. Earlier, Russia has nearly doubled the cost of repairing and modernizing the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov for the Indian Navy, as part of a ship which will carry the name Vikramaditya. Currently, the cost of outfitting the ship for India is 2.3 billion dollars, and the carrier will be delivered to the customer in 2013 with a delay of four years.

 

[neo29]

New Indian coastal force is operational now

The Indian Navy on Saturday made operational the Coastal Security Force also known as Sagar Prahari Bal (SPB).

In the background of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks the induction of the SPB into the Indian Navy is considered a major step to beef up security across the Indian seas.

After the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, both the Indian Navy and the Coast Guards were trading charges of security failure against each other. But the induction of the SPB can be said to be a positive step in the right direction of safeguarding the Indian coastal security.

After the Mumbai terror attacks, a high level ministerial committee was set up to give recommendations on beefing up security across the Indian coast. Accordingly, the committee recommended and granted permission to the Indian Navy to establish the SPB which would work on the lines of the Coast Guard. The SPB will be in the overall control of the Indian Navy.

Speaking to the media, Naval Commander Arvind Singh Rana said, to begin with, the SPB will be allocated 80 high speed interceptor crafts and will consist of 1,000 personnel from the navy. The high speed interceptor crafts are in production stage and will be inducted in the SPB by the end of 2011. Fifteen out of the 80 interceptor crafts would be inducted into the Western Naval Command headquarters in Mumbai. Shortly, 1,000 more navy personnel would also be commissioned in the SPB which would ensure that there is no shortage of officers in the force, Rana added.

The SPB would also maintain security at all major and minor ports in India and will carry out round the clock patrolling and will also be part of search and rescue operations in times of emergency.

idrw.org

 

[sandeepdg]

Correct Naval history, says INS Khukri survivor


CHANDIGARH: Did the crew of INS Kirpan, the Indian Navy frigate which was honoured with gallantry award for its role in 1971 Indo-Pak war play an ignominious role by deserting sailors who were drowning in INS Khukri?
Nearly 40 years after the sinking of INS Khukri, this is the question being raised by one of the survivors of the ill-fated frigate of Indian Navy.

A retired sailor, Chanchal Singh Gill, who served in the Indian Navy for 14 years, has moved the Chandigarh bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) seeking correction of Naval history related to the INS Khukri.

A comprehensive time bound inquiry by a commission, withdrawal of gallantry awards from those who allegedly showed cowardice, including officers and Commanding Officer of INS Kirpan, and fixing responsibility for the Indian Navy's ''greatest cover up after the greatest tragedy'', besides their court martial, has also been sought.

The main allegations of 58-year old Gill — who was on duty as artificer apprentice on the fateful night of December 9, 1971 when the Pakistani submarine PNS Hangor hit the INS Khukri — is that the record prepared by the Historical Cell of Directorate of Naval Operations, at Naval Headquarters, New Delhi, pertaining to INS Khukri is ''far away from the truth''.

While pointing out ''glaring errors'' in the records, which came to his notice in February 2004, that 'Khukri sank just by one torpedo hit whereas INS Kirpan manoeuvered to deflect torpedo attacks', Gill claims that actually three torpedoes had hit Khukri and instead of joining action to counter the attack, INS Kirpan ''fled away''. After reading the official account, Gill immediately sent letters to parliamentary standing committee on defence seeking correction of the records but has not heard from them till now.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...s-INS-Khukri-survivor/articleshow/7126023.cms

 

[Patriot]

Navy has no wish to play 'super-cop' role in Indian ocean region'


PUNE: The Indian Navy has no desire to play the role of super-policemen' in the Indian ocean region, but it will always be committed to protecting the country's sovereignty and security, besides responding to any sea-borne threat or situation, said Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma here on Sunday.

The naval chief has also highlighted the significance of developing a sea-borne strategic nuclear deterrence as part of efforts to safeguard the country's vast coastline.

"More than being super-policemen', the Indian Navy sees itself as playing the role of a net provider of security and will put a specific emphasis on cooperation with other countries in the Indian ocean region," he said, while addressing the 17th anniversary of the Indian Maritime Foundation.

Speaking on India's role in the Indian ocean Strategic challenges and opportunities in the decade ahead', Verma said that providing security remains the most serious challenge before the navy and the same also influences other challenges, viz. protecting economic interests and marine natural resources as well as building a sound maritime infrastructure.

He said, "The Indian ocean remains the third-largest region covering 20 per cent of water on earth. It involves as many as 25 countries, including six island nations, and is among the busiest sea lines of commercial interest, besides serving as a key transit provider to several countries across continents."

Post-cold war era, an increasing number of countries have emerged to challenge the US pre-eminence and the emerging geo-politics will largely influence the challenges vis-?-vis security, economy, natural resources and infrastructure, he said. "The impact of inter-play between US and China in particular will influence the new geo-political dynamics in the region."

Sea-borne terrorism, as manifested in the 26/11 attack on Mumbai, has ensured that security issues have become more complex. "Unlike land, detecting and combating sea-borne threat is more serious, as there cannot be physical boundaries on the seas," he said.

The enormous task of protecting 7,500 km of coastline and interacting and coordinating with the multitudes of central and state agencies, remains a challenge that the navy is steadily working on, said. "A national maritime domain awareness infrastructure will be in place in the next two years, to ensure that all these issues are dealt with more effectively."

Verma also stressed on the need to build a sound maritime infrastructure including those related to ship-building, repairs, research and development, among others, besides the need for the country to engage in growing cooperation with other nations for countering problems like piracy and to protect marine natural resources.

Maritime foundation president Commodore (retd) Rajan Vir made the introductory remarks. Former Air Chief Marshal H Moolgavkar, former Naval Chief Jayant Nadkarni, National Defence Academy Commandant Vice-Admiral Satish Soni, were among the prominent persons present on the occasion.







http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NEWS/newsrf.php?newsid=14016

 

[bharadwaj]

Can someone post a head to head comparison between the contenders of the IN's future submarine contract,used wiki but was unsatisfied!

 

[chex3009]

Indian Navy, Royal Thailand Navy Jointly Patrol Eastern Indian Ocean Region

11th Cycle of the India - Thailand Coordinated Patrol (INDO-THAI CORPAT) commenced in the Andaman Sea on 16 Nov 10. Whereas Indian Navy is represented by INS Tarasa of the Andaman & Nicobar Command, the Royal Thailand Navy was represented by HTMS Longlom.

The first such CORPAT with the Royal Thailand Navy was held in 2006. The subsequent series of Coordinated Patrols with the Thai Navy have resulted in enhanced mutual confidence levels between the two defence forces. Consequently poaching by Thai trawlers in our waters has shown a significant decrease due to stringent measures put in place by the Thai government.

As Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) a series of basic Naval drills and communication exercises are being conducted between the two warships during the course of the coordinated patrol. Indian Navy's Maritime Patrol Aircraft, theDorniers are also conducting the Maritime Reconnaissance (MR) sorties in patrol areas, as a coordinated sea - air patrol.

The closing ceremony of the 11th Cycle INDO-THAI CORPAT was held at Phuket on 23 Nov 10. Major General NP Padhi, Chief of Staff, Headquarters Andaman & Nicobar Command was the senior officer representing India during the closing ceremony.

http://www.india-defence.com/reports-4906

 

[neo29]

Indian Navy, Coast Guard to receive 127 ships in 2010-11: Defence Minister

In recent years, the Indian MoD has been able to ensure improved results in the delivery of warships and submarines. During 2009-2010, these numbers stood at 120 vessels for the Indian Navy, Coast Guard and coastal states. In the current financial year, 85 vessels have already been delivered and by March 2011, a total of 127 vessels will be delivered, according to Indian defence minister, A K Antony.

The government is giving top priority to modernization of shipyards so that state-of-the –art warships can be built indigenously to global standards in the most transparent manner. He said, in future, all vessels of the Indian Navy will be built indigenously and the private sector will play a crucial role in this endeavour.

" To be comparable with the best global shipyards, we must keep a high premium on the quality of the delivered products. Our market share in global ship building must be improved substantially on a priority basis. Our shipyards have no option, but to build state of the art infrastructure for constructing high technology warships and submarines", the minister said.

Giving details of the modernization plans currently being carried out in Mazagon Dock Limited, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited and Goa Shipyard Limited, Shri Antony said, these include human resource development, important components for upgradation and diversification of ship building infrastructure and implementing state of the art management tools and techniques. He said, recently, Hindustan Shipyard Limited has been transferred from the Ministry of Shipping to the Department Defence Production and a modernization programme for HSL will be finalized soon. He said the first phase of the modernization plan will be completed by the first half of 2011.

http://idrw.org/?p=1977

 

[SHASH2K2]

Indian Navy Sees Midget Submarines as Primary Threat ​

The Indian Navy and Coast Guard believe that improvised mini-submarines constitute the nation's primary emerging threat. These may range from swimmer-delivery vehicles of the type employed for recreational scuba diving to remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater vehicles. These types of vehicles are already in service with the navies of Iran, Myanmar and Pakistan (all having procured them from North Korea).

As has been amply demonstrated by the navies of North Korea and Iran, these small vessels make good platforms for ambushes even at submerged depths of 150 feet, enough room for the midget submersible to maneuver. These submarines cannot travel too far on their own, and depend on support vessels to extend their range. However, in their shallow water element where sonar returns are cluttered, they can prove quiet and deadly. Their capabilities include the ability to lay mines or insert commandos on beaches.

As North Korea demonstrated with the sinking of the Cheonan, attacks from midget submersibles can also include torpedoes armed with 250-kilogram warheads.

The Indian Navy believes that two factors heighten the risk of an ambush by midget submarines against Indian warships. These are the complex sonar picture of shallow water where these small submersibles can operate, and the absence of a network of seabed-mounted sonar transducers dotting the Indian coastline. With the exception of Port Blair, none of the 200 non-major ports in India are equipped with any identification or surveillance systems, and there are currently no concrete ground rules for patrolling India's inshore coastal areas and the numerous creeks and rivulets along the coastline.

In early 2009, the Indian Navy proposed that a Maritime Security Adviser (MSA) be appointed, along with a supporting Maritime Security Advisory Board (MSAB), to take stock of the growing oceanic influence on India's foreign policy. The intention was for the MSAB to coordinate the operations of more than 14 government departments and agencies responsible for various elements of maritime affairs with several security agencies with jurisdictions along India's coastline. This proposal has not been adopted.

 

[RPK]

Two Coast Guard stations established in Arabian Sea to safeguard India's interest

http://www.sify.com/news/two-coast-...dia-s-interest-news-national-kmyt4fdijff.html
2010-12-24 19:30:00

Save with SkypeAds by GoogleUnlimited calls - as low as $2.99 per month per country www.skype.com


Defence Minister AK Antony on Friday inaugurated two Coast Guard establishments in Lakshadweep in order to strengthen the coastal security in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks and against the backdrop of rising incidents of piracy near the 7,500 km-long Indian coastline in the past few weeks.

The last outpost of the country in the Arabian Sea, Minicoy, got its coastal security surveillance apparatus today. The Defence Minister also concurrently established a new Coast Guard District Headquarters for Lakshadweep at Kavaratti.

The set up at Kavaratti has been named District headquarters No 12 and it will have operational control over a number of ships and aircraft such as Hovercrafts, Fast Patrol Vessels, Interceptor Boats, Helicopter and Fixed Wing Aircraft on the commissioning of planned stations.

Addressing the personnel and the islanders at Minicoy, Antony said: "We can neglect the seas only at our peril, as the 2008 terror attacks on Mumbai showed."

Urging the maritime forces to remain ever vigilant and not to lower their guard at any point of time, he said nations are turning to the seas and oceans for sustenance as natural resources on the land are getting depleted fast.

The two new establishments in the strategically located islands will provide the much needed teeth to Coast Guard operations and enhance safety and security of Lakshadweep Islands. They would also facilitate greater synergy between Coast Guard, administration of Lakshadweep and other agencies.

The Indian Coast Guard also plans to set up another Coast Guard Station at Androth next year and an air enclave at Minicoy in 2012. Six radar stations of the Coastal Surveillance Network (CSN) are also being established in the Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands.

Antony said the commissioning of the much needed Coast Guard Station at Minicoy has a special relevance due to its proximity to two of the world's busiest shipping lanes. Since the nearest Coast Guard ships and aircraft were based at Kochi, a need for Coast Guard station with a forward airbase at this location was always felt.

He added that "our aim is to create a real-time coastal surveillance system that can be controlled even from remote locations."

The Lakshadweep group of islands is also vulnerable to marine pollution as two of the world's busiest Sea lanes of Communication (SLOC) are abounding it. The Eight Degree Channel, which separates the Minicoy island from the Maldives, witnesses maritime traffic of as many as 30-40 ships a day.

On December 7, the Indian Navy had spotted a pirate mother ship in the waters off Lakshadweep Islands and managed to rescue a Thai national, who was thrown into the sea.

This was the second incident of piracy in the region this month. Earlier, on December 3, the Indian Navy's guided missile destroyer INS Rajput had apprehended a dhow (a sailing vessel) with 19 foreigners on board in Indian waters off Lakshadweep Islands. The dhow was located in India's Exclusive Economic Zone.

The Indian Navy has deployed ships and maritime patrol aircraft to undertake a comprehensive search in the Eastern part of the Arabian Sea, to locate and disable probable pirate vessels. by Praful Kumar Singh (ANI)

 

[wild goose]

India, Sri Lanka to hold joint naval drill in 2011


BY ADMIN AT 28 DECEMBER, 2010, 2:51 PM

SOURCE : IANS

India and Sri Lanka Monday decided to hold a joint naval exercise next year as part of a series of measures to enhance their defence cooperation.

The measures include holding a formal annual defence dialogue and staff level talks between the armies and navies of the two countries beginning next year, a defence ministry statement said.

The decisions were taken at the defence secretary level talks in Colombo. The two sides were led by Indian Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar and his Sri Lankan counterpart, Gotabhaya Rajapakse.

It was also decided that the Indian Air Force chief, Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Naik, will visit Sri Lanka next month.

Senior officers of the three services, the Coast Guard and the ministries of defence and external affairs also took part in the discussions from the Indian side

The Sri Lankan side was assisted by the commanders of the three services.

'New Delhi and Colombo have common security concerns, including the security and safety of sea lanes of communication. Both sides agreed that these common concerns will form the basis for bilateral exchanges,' the defence ministry statement said.

The meeting also reviewed major ongoing projects, including reactivation of airfields in the war-ravaged areas of Sri Lanka.

The Indian defence secretary also called on Sri Lankan Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris. He will call on Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa Tuesday.


http://idrw.org/?p=2032