Defence Street

Category: Indian Navy

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD signs Rs 19,600 crore contracts with Indian shipyards for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels & six Next Generation Missile Vessels for Indian Navy

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    New Delhi, 30th March 2023. In a huge boost to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, Ministry of Defence, on 30th March 2023, signed contracts with Indian shipyards for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels and six Next Generation Missile Vessels at an overall cost of approx. Rs 19,600 crore.

    Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels

    The contract for acquisition of 11 Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category was signed with Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata at a total cost of Rs 9,781 crore. Of the 11 ships, seven will be indigenously designed, developed & manufactured by GSL and four by GRSE. The delivery of the ships is scheduled to commence from September 2026.

    The acquisition of these ships will enable the Indian Navy to maintain its combat capability and meet various operational requirements such as Anti-Piracy, Counter-Infiltration, Anti-Poaching, Anti-Trafficking, Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations, Search and Rescue (SAR), Protection of Offshore Assets etc. The construction of these ships will generate an employment of 110 lakh man-days over a period of seven and half years.

    Next Generation Missile Vessels

    The contract for acquisition of six Next Generation Missile Vessels (NGMV) was signed with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) at a cost of Rs 9,805 crore. The delivery of ships is scheduled to commence from March 2027. The NGMVs would be heavily armed war vessels incorporating stealth, high speed and offensive capability. The primary role of the ships would be to provide offensive capability against enemy warship, merchantmen and land targets.

    These ships will be capable of conducting Maritime Strike Operations, Anti Surface Warfare Operations and would be a potent instrument of sea denial for enemy ships especially at choke points. In defensive role, these ships would be employed for Local Naval Defence operations and seaward defence of Offshore Development Area. The construction of these ships will generate an employment of 45 lakh man-days over a period of nine years.

    The indigenous manufacturing of these vessels will encourage the active participation of Indian shipbuilding and associated industries, including MSMEs. With the majority of the equipment and systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these vessels will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited for Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) & BrahMos Missiles worth Rs 1,700 crore

    New Delhi, 30th March, 2023. Ministry of Defence, on 30th March 2023, inked a contract with BrahMos Aerospace Private Limited (BAPL) for procurement of Next Generation Maritime Mobile Coastal Batteries (Long range) {NGMMCB (LR)} and BrahMos Missiles at an approximate cost of over Rs 1,700 crore under Buy (Indian) Category. The delivery of NGMMCBs is scheduled to commence from 2027. These systems will be equipped with supersonic BrahMos Missiles and will significantly enhance multi-directional maritime strike capability of Indian Navy.

    The BAPL is a Joint Venture between India and Russia making crucial contribution to augment the new generation Surface-to-Surface missile with enhanced ranges. This contract is going to give further boost to indigenous production of critical weapon system and ammunition with active participation of indigenous industries. This project will generate an employment of more than 90,000 man-days over a period of four years. With the majority of the equipment and sub-system sourced from indigenous manufacturers, these systems will be a proud flag bearer of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

  • Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks two contracts with BEL, worth Rs 2,400 crore, for procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ for Indian Army & Sarang Electronic Support Measure systems for Indian Navy

    Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD inks two contracts with BEL, worth Rs 2,400 crore, for procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ for Indian Army & Sarang Electronic Support Measure systems for Indian Navy

    • Rs 3,000 crore contract signed with NewSpace India Limited for an Advanced Communication Satellite for Indian Army

    New Delhi, 29th March, 2023. In yet another boost to ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, Ministry of Defence, on March 29, 2023, signed three contracts – two with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad and one with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) – at a total cost nearly Rs 5,400 crore, to bolster the defence capabilities of the country. The first contract with BEL pertains to procurement of Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ worth Rs 1,982 crore for the Indian Army. The second contract with BEL relates to acquisition of Sarang Electronic Support Measure (ESM) systems along with associated Engineering Support Package from BEL, Hyderabad at an overall cost of Rs 412 crore for the Indian Navy.

    The contract with NSIL, a Central Public Sector Enterprise under Department of Space, Bengaluru pertains to procurement of an advanced Communication Satellite, GSAT 7B, which will provide High Throughput Services to the Indian Army at an overall cost of Rs 2,963 crore. All these projects are under Buy {Indian – IDMM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured)} category.

    Project Akashteer

    The Automated Air Defence Control & Reporting System ‘Project Akashteer’ will empower the Air Defence units of the Indian Army with an indigenous, state-of-the-art capability, to effectively operate in an integrated manner. Akashteer will enable monitoring of low level airspace over the battle areas of Indian Army and effectively control the Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems.

    Sarang systems

    Sarang is an advanced Electronic Support Measure system for helicopters of the Indian Navy, designed and developed indigenously by Defence Electronics Research Laboratory, Hyderabad under programme Samudrika. The scheme will generate an employment of approximately two lakh man-days over a period of three years.

    Both the projects will encourage participation of Indian Electronics and associated industries, including MSMEs, who are sub vendors of BEL.

    Advanced Communication Satellite

    The satellite will considerably enhance the communication capability of the Indian Army by providing mission critical beyond line of sight communication to troops and formations as well as weapon and airborne platforms. The geostationary satellite, being a first-of-its-kind in the five-tonne category, will be developed indigenously by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

    Many parts and sub-assemblies and systems will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers, including MSMEs and start-ups, thereby giving a fillip to the private Indian space industry, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The project will generate an employment of approximately three lakh man-days over a period of three and half years.

  • Indian Coast Guard Conducts Regional Search And Rescue (SAR) Exercise in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

    Indian Coast Guard Conducts Regional Search And Rescue (SAR) Exercise in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh

    New Delhi, 29th March, 2023. The Indian Coast Guard conducted Regional Search and Rescue exercise during 28 -29 March 2023 at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The aim of the exercise was to simulate a real time maritime distress scenario and highlight the functioning of Search and Rescue (SAR) organisation for a mass rescue operation. The exercise involved all stakeholders with effective use of available resources towards M-SAR (Maritime Search and Rescue) contingency efficiently.

    The exercise simulated an Offshore Support vessel (OSV) carrying more than hundreds of passengers that reported a distress call of major fire onboard off Kakinada. Maritime Rescue Sub Centre (MRSC) Kakinada coordinated with all resource agencies to save the lives in distress. The state disaster contingency plan was invoked to support the operations at sea. External Fire Fighting of the distressed vessel, Abandon ship drill, deployment of Rescue boat, Jason Cradle, Scramble net, Life raft, life buoy, surveillance by drone, de-induction of casualty rescue by helicopter and medical management were conducted during the exercise. The ashore preparations included setting up of Incident Command Post, Triage for treatment of casualties and necessary facilities for management of critical casualties.

    Sea area off Kakinada was chosen as the venue for the exercise considering the large-scale exploration and production activities in the Krishna Godavari basin which makes the area potential to emergencies necessitating large scale SAR response. The two-day long workshop and exercise enhanced knowledge and understanding, promoting cooperation and coordination amongst member agencies for a Mass Rescue Operation (MRO), wherein the efforts of a single agency may not be sufficient.

  • Maiden Passing Out Parade of Agniveers 01/22 Batch At Ins Chilka

    Maiden Passing Out Parade of Agniveers 01/22 Batch At Ins Chilka

    New Delhi, 28th March 2023. A total of 2585 Agniveers (incl 272 women) of the Indian Navy passed out from the portals of INS Chilka, at Odhisa, in a first of its kind ceremonial, post sunset Passing Out Parade, held on 28 Mar 23 under the aegis of Southern Naval Command. The parade was reviewed by Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, in the presence of VAdm MA Hampiholi, the Flag Officer Commanding-in -Chief, Southern Naval Command, Hon’ble Member of Parliament PT Usha, eminent sports personality Mithali Raj and eminent naval veterans.

    The passing out parade marks, not only the successful culmination of 16 weeks of their ab-initio rigorous naval training, but also the start of a new voyage in the Indian Navy, where men and women will work together to make the Indian Navy a Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof force.

    During his address, the CNS urged the passing out trainees to hone their skills further and develop a strong foundation of knowledge, willingness to learn and commitment to excel in their respective careers that lay ahead. He also urged them to uphold Navy’s core values of Duty, Honour and Courage, in pursuit of Nation building.

    The Chief Guest also awarded medals and trophies to the meritorious Agniveers on the occasion. Amalakanti Jayaram, Agniveer (SSR), Ajith P, Agniveer (MR) were awarded Chief of the Naval Staff Rolling Trophy and Gold Medal for Best Agniveer SSR & MR respectively in men’s category. Khushi, Agniveer (SSR) was the Best Woman Agniveer in the overall order of merit. A Rolling Trophy, instituted to commemorate the vision of Late General Bipin Rawat – the first CDS was awarded to her by the daughters of Late Gen Bipin Rawat.

    In the day, during the Valedictory function, the Chief of the Naval Staff gave away the overall Championship Trophy to Eklavaya Division and Runners Up Trophy to Angad and Shivaji Division. He also unveiled the summer edition of Ankur – the bilingual trainees’ magazine of INS Chilka, in the presence of Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command and Commodore NP Pradeep, Commanding Officer, INS Chilka.

  • Port Visit of INS Sumedha at Algiers

    Port Visit of INS Sumedha at Algiers

    New Delhi, 28th March, 2023. INS Sumedha, presently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea, entered Algiers, Algeria on 26 Mar 23 for an operational turn around. The ship was received at Port Algiers by officers of the Algerian Navy and officials from Embassy of India, Algiers.

    The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and enhancing maritime cooperation and interoperability between the two navies. It also demonstrates the Indian Navy’s outreach to friendly maritime nations.

    During the visit, the two navies will share best practices and experiences through cross deck visits, professional interactions, sports fixtures and cultural visits.

    Indigenously built, INS Sumedha is a stealth offshore patrol vessel constructed at Goa Shipyard Ltd and is fitted with a state-of-the-art weapon and sensor package. She is routinely deployed for fleet support operations such as anti-piracy patrol, SAR, HADR, surveillance and escort missions. She can carry an Advanced Light Combat Helicopter onboard.

  • Indian Navy to Conduct the ‘Sam No Varunah’ Coastal Car Rally

    Indian Navy to Conduct the ‘Sam No Varunah’ Coastal Car Rally

    New Delhi, 22nd March. The Maritime trade has played an important role in Nation’s Economy and the same was emphasised by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his speech, on occasion of 59th Maritime Day on 05 Apr 22. While ensuring the safety and security of the Nation, Indian Navy plays a crucial role in protecting our Maritime trade too.

    Surrounded by seas from the three sides, India has a vast coastline of approximately 7500 Kms, which is more than the length of land borders we share with China and Pakistan combined. To awaken the maritime nation and encourage Sea Consciousness, the Indian Navy in association with Navy Welfare and Wellness Association (NWWA) is undertaking a maritime awareness coastal motor car expedition, “SAM NO VARUNAH” covering the entire Indian coastline in March 2023. The objectives of the expedition include:-

    1. Celebrate Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
    2. Conduct awareness drives along the route about various career opportunities that the Navy offers including the Agnipath Scheme.
    3. Showcase ‘Naari Shakti’ by participation of serving women officers and naval wives.
    4. Instill a sense of adventure and motivate young generation to join the Indian Navy.
    5. Interact with Naval Veterans/ Veer Naaris enroute.
    6. Spread awareness about the rich maritime heritage and revival of maritime history by covering various Ports, Forts, Light Houses, Heritage Villages, Beaches etc.

    Towards this expedition it is planned to: –

    1. Flag off the rally from INS Netaji Subhas on 26 Mar 23 from Kolkata and terminate the rally at Lakhpat Gujarat on 19 Apr 23.
    2. Arrive INS Chilka on the historic occasion of Passing Out of first batch of Agniveers of Indian Navy (28 Mar 23).
    3. Conduct awareness campaigns at cities/ villages enroute with the aim to provide information about employment opportunities in the Navy including the Agnipath Scheme.
    4. Conduct NWWA outreach activities at various old age homes, orphanages, school for special children in keeping with the ethos of community development and empowerment.
    5. Undertake coastal cleaning at beaches enroute and spreading environmental awareness.
    6. Visit forts/ light houses/ places of maritime importance along the rally route and spread awareness of our rich maritime heritage.

    The expedition planned over 25 days covering approx 7500 Kms passing through all coastal states is partnered with by M/s Mahindra who are providing a fleet of 12 vehicles along with Mastercard India and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (as fuel partner).

  • INS Sujata Visits Port Maputo, Mozambique

    INS Sujata Visits Port Maputo, Mozambique

    New Delhi, 21st March 2023. INS Sujata, a ship based at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, visited Port Maputo, Mozambique as a part of Overseas Deployment from 19 to 21 Mar 23. The ship was received by Captain Nitin Kapoor, DA Pretoria, Commandant NRN Siva Babu, Coast Guard Afloat Support Team and Captain Florentino Jose’ Narciso from Mozambican Navy amidst the fanfare of Mozambican Navy Band and traditional dance performances at the jetty.

    The Commanding Officer, INS Sujata called on Rear Admiral Eugenio Dias Da Silva Muatuca, the Commander of Mozambican Navy, Mr Eneas Da Conceicao Comiche. Mayor of Maputo, His Excellency Sri Ankan Banerjee, High Commissioner of India and several other military and civilian dignitaries.

    About 40 personnel of the Mozambican Navy visited the ship for Cross deck training, which included walk around of training facilities, briefing about diving ops, training on VBSS and light weapons, visual communication and maintenance of machinery and hygiene onboard. Various other activities such as combined morning yoga session, soccer match were organised between the personnel of both the Navies. A reception was also hosted onboard Sujata which was attended by several Indian/ Mozambican dignitaries/ diplomats.

    The visit by INS Sujata at Maputo, Mozambique further enhanced the mutual cooperation and bilateral ties between the two Navies.

  • Launch of ‘Androth’, Second Ship of ASW SWC (GRSE) Project on 21 Mar 23 at M/s GRSE, Kolkata

    Launch of ‘Androth’, Second Ship of ASW SWC (GRSE) Project on 21 Mar 23 at M/s GRSE, Kolkata

    New Delhi, 21st March, 2023. ‘Androth’, the second of 08 x ASW Shallow Water Craft (SWC) Project, being built by M/s GRSE for Indian Navy was launched on 21 Mar 23 at M/s GRSE, Kolkata. The ship made her first contact with water of Hooghly River at 1430 Hrs at the Launch Ceremony presided over by VAdm Dinesh K Tripathi, FOC-IN-C (West). In keeping with the Naval traditions, Smt Shashi Tripathi launched the ship to the chanting of invocation from Atharva Veda. Mr Arun Lal, former Indian cricketer and head coach of Bengal cricket team, was the Guest of Honour for the ceremony. The ship has been named Androth to signify the strategic maritime importance accorded to the island of Androth, located about 170 Nm north-west of Kochi, in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.

    Contract for building eight ASW SWC ships was signed between MoD and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), Kolkata on 29 Apr 19. Arnala class of ships will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW Corvettes of Indian Navy and are designed to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters, Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying operations including subsurface surveillance in littoral waters. The ASW SWC ships are 77.6 m long, have a displacement of 900 tons with a maximum speed of 25 knots.

    Launch of two ships of the same class in a span of three months reinforces our resolve towards indigenous shipbuilding as part of Prime Minister’s vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’. The first ship of the project is planned to be delivered to Indian Navy by Dec 23. The ASW SWC ships will have over 80% indigenous content, thereby ensuring that large scale defence production is executed by Indian manufacturing units, generating employment and capability enhancement within the country.

  • INS Sujata Visits Port Maputo, Mozambique

    INS Sujata Visits Port Maputo, Mozambique

    New Delhi, 21st March 2023. Sujata, a ship based at Southern Naval Command, Kochi, visited Port Maputo, Mozambique as a part of  Overseas Deployment from 19 to 21 Mar 23. The ship was received by Captain Nitin Kapoor, DA Pretoria, Commandant NRN Siva Babu, Coast Guard Afloat Support Team and Captain Florentino Jose’ Narciso from Mozambican Navy amidst the fanfare of Mozambican Navy Band and traditional dance performances at the jetty.

    The Commanding Officer, INS Sujata called on Rear Admiral Eugenio Dias Da Silva Muatuca, the Commander of Mozambican Navy, Mr Eneas Da Conceicao Comiche. Mayor of Maputo, His Excellency Sri Ankan Banerjee, High Commissioner of India and several other military and civilian dignitaries.

    About 40 personnel of the Mozambican Navy visited the ship for Cross deck training, which included walkaround of training facilities, briefing about diving ops, training on VBSS and light weapons, visual communication and maintenance of machinery and hygiene onboard. Various other activities such as combined morning yoga session, soccer match were organised between the personnel of both the Navies. A reception was also hosted onboard Sujata which was attended by several Indian/ Mozambican dignitaries/ diplomats.

    The visit by INS Sujata at Maputo, Mozambique further enhanced the mutual cooperation and bilateral ties between the two Navies.