Indian Navy intends to emerge stronger

Visakhapatnam: In a move to boost maritime interest of the nation and enhance combat preparedness, the navy has a requirement of two operational aircraft carriers.

The maritime capability perspective plan of the navy envisages a force level of three aircraft carriers by 2027. Ahead of the Navy Day Celebrations, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Vice Admiral Atul Kumar Jain says that the ENC has paid particular focus on the operational availability. Explaining the maritime trade, the ENC chief says that 70 per cent by value and 90 per cent by volume, the trade is through sea routes. Indian Navy is the main maritime force to provide protection to the trade.

"When the maritime trade increases, there is a need to ramp up the existing infrastructure. The whole interest of maritime trade of China lies in Persian Gulf, passing through Indian Ocean. How are we going to sustain and reach out depends largely on our preparedness. A couple of years down the line, we need to become a strong navy. The recent exercises indicate that we are reliable security partners. But to meet larger challenges, we do need to emerge as a much stronger navy with more aircraft and ships. It is the need of the hour to have a very strong defence set-up and be self-reliant by roping in all the stakeholders," says the ENC Chief.

About stepping up coastal security, Atul Kumar Jain says, "The ENC continues to remain vigilant to ensure the eastern seaboard is safeguarded. The coastline is under our surveillance and we are always 'mission ready'."

With increased alert levels on the borders, particularly on the Northern borders, the Indian Army and Indian Air Force are considering concrete measures along with manpower and asset accretions. "The Indian Navy has undertaken proactive deployments in the Indian Ocean region to protect our national interests. The ships of the ENC are mission deployed in areas of crucial interest to India while keeping a strict vigil over regional forces operating in our area of responsibility," says the Vice-Admiral.

The anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the ENC got a further boost with the recent commissioning of INS Kavaratti.

The enhanced operational tempo included a series of test firing of BhrahMos anti-ship missile from INS Ranvijay and an eventful firing of Uran missile from INS Kora. The missiles performed complex manoeuvres before hitting the bull's eye.