Defence Street

Category: Indian Navy

  • Keel Laying of Two Multi Purpose Vessel Project on 20th March at M/s. L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli

    Keel Laying of Two Multi Purpose Vessel Project on 20th March at M/s. L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli

    New Delhi, 20th March, 2023. Keel laying ceremony of the two ships of Multi Purpose Vessel (MPV) Project  (Yard18001 – Samarthak & Yard 18002 – Utkarsh) was held at L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, on 20 Mar 23. The ceremony was presided by VAdm Sandeep Naithani, Chief of Materiel, in the presence of VAdm Kiran Deshmukh, CWP&A, Shri Ashok Khetan, Head Shipbuilding Business, L&T and other senior officials from Indian Navy and L&T. The contract of construction of two Multi Purpose Vessels was concluded with L&T Shipyard in Mar 22, in consonance with ‘Aatmarnirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the Government of India. These are the first Indian Navy Warships being constructed by L&T, Kattupalli.

    All major machinery, auxiliary equipment and systems for the Multi Purpose Vessels will be sourced from indigenous manufacturers. This will provide further impetus to defence production and employment generation within the country. These vessels, once delivered to the Indian Navy, will perform multi role support functions such as maritime surveillance, patrolling, disaster relief and launching expendable targets for exercises. These ships would also be deployed for operating autonomous / remotely operated / unmanned vessels.

  • Exercise La Perouse – 2023

    Exercise La Perouse – 2023

    New Delhi, 16th March. Indian Navy’s indigenously built guided missile frigate, INS Sahyadri and fleet tanker, INS Jyoti participated in the third edition of the multilateral exercise La Perouse conducted from 13 – 14 March 2023. The exercise was conducted in the Indian Ocean Region, and was aimed at enhancing maritime domain awareness and optimising maritime coordination amongst the participating navies in the Indo-Pacific Region.

    In addition to Indian Naval ships, the exercise witnessed participation of HMAS Perth from the Royal Australian Navy, FS Dixmude and FS La Fayette from the French Navy, JMSDF ship Suzutsuki from Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force along with Type SH 60 J Helicopter, HMS Tamar from the Royal Navy and USS Charleston the the United States Navy. The two day exercise provided all the participating navies an opportunity to undertake complex and advanced naval operations involving replenishment at sea, surface warfare drills, anti-air and air-defence exercises, cross deck helicopter operations and tactical manoeuvres in a joint manner suitable for seamless maritime operations.

    INS Sahyadri, is an indigenously designed and built guided missile stealth frigate fitted with state-of –the art weapons and sensors, which makes her capable of detecting and neutralising air, surface and sub-surface threats. INS Jyoti is a fleet tanker capable of providing prolonged sustenance at sea to the fleet. Both the ships are a part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam and function under the operational command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command.

  • Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth Rs 70,500 crore for the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category

    Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth Rs 70,500 crore for the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category

    • BrahMos missiles, Shakti EW systems & Utility Helicopters-Maritime, valued at Rs 56,000 crore, cleared for Indian Navy
    • Long Range Stand-Off Weapon for the Indian Air Force gets the nod; To be integrated on SU-30 MKI aircraft
    • 155mm/52 Caliber ATAGS, along with High Mobility & Gun Towing Vehicles, to be procured for Indian Army
    • Indian Coast Guard to get Advance Light Helicopters MK-III from HAL
    • Over Rs 2.71 lakh crore worth of procurement cleared in FY 2022-23; 99% to be sourced from Indian industries

    New Delhi, 16th March. A meeting of Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), held on March 16, 2023 under the chairmanship of Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh, has accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition amounting to over Rs 70,500 crore under Buy {Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured)}. Out of the total proposals, Indian Navy proposals constitute more than Rs 56,000 crore, which largely includes indigenous BrahMos missiles, Shakti Electronic Warfare (EW) systems, Utility Helicopters-Maritime etc.

    While this additional procurement of BrahMos missile system will enhance the maritime strike capabilities & Anti-Surface Warfare Operation, the addition of Utility Helicopters will multiply the operational readiness of the Indian Navy in the domain of Search & Rescue operations, Casualty Evacuation, Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR) etc. Similarly, Shakti EW systems will equip and modernise the frontline Naval ships to counter any Naval Operations by the adversaries.

    Accordance of AoN for Medium Speed Marine Diesel Engine under Make-I category is a significant step as, for the first time, India is venturing into the development & manufacturing of such engines indigenously to achieve self-reliance & leverage the capabilities of the Industries towards the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. To keep pace with the emerging technologies and counter the adversaries in the Western and Northern front, the necessity of the new weapons and its integration with the delivery platforms was felt by the Government. To achieve the same objectives, the DAC accorded the approval to Indian Air Force’s proposal for Long Range Stand-Off Weapon (LRSOW) which will be indigenously designed, developed and integrated on SU-30 MKI aircraft.

    For Artillery modernisation, in addition to the ongoing Dhanush Gun System and K-9 Vajra-T Gun System, AoN for procurement of 155mm/52 Caliber Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) along with High Mobility Vehicles (HMVs) and Gun Towing Vehicles (GTVs) for the Indian Army was accorded by the DAC. It also accorded AoN for procurement of Advance Light Helicopters (ALH) MK-III from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Coast Guard. The Helicopter will be able to carry a suite of surveillance sensors which will enhance the surveillance capabilities. It will also give full night capability and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) capability for operations of the Indian Coast Guard.

    Including today’s proposals, the total AoN granted for Capital Acquisition in the Financial Year 2022-23 is over Rs 2.71 lakh crore, out of which 99% of the procurement will be sourced from Indian industries. Such quantum of indigenous procurement will galvanise the Indian industries towards achieving the goal of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

  • Curtain Raiser – Award of President’s Colour to INS Dronacharya

    Curtain Raiser – Award of President’s Colour to INS Dronacharya

    New Delhi, 14th March. INS Dronacharya, the Gunnery School of the Indian Navy, is being awarded the prestigious President’s Colour on 16th March 2023 by the President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. The President’s Colour or the Nishan is considered the highest honour that the Supreme Commander, President of India, bestows on a unit for its exceptional service to the Nation.

    INS Dronacharya is entrusted with the training of officers and sailors of the Navy, Coast Guard and friendly foreign maritime forces on all aspects of gunnery and missile warfare. Training of Officers and sailors to deliver ordnance on target effectively is the core focus of INS Dronacharya. It forges sea warriors and equips them with the professional acumen and unyielding spirit to man our powerful warships. The unit is also the nodal centre for training of Sagar Prahari Bal and Navy’s centre for training in constabulary operations for several Indian Ocean Region (IOR) Nations.

    The unit is also the training authority for drill and ceremonials in the Navy and Coast Guard. INS Dronacharya was designated as the Centre for Excellence in Gunnery and Missile Warfare in 2004. The unit is affiliated with the Indian Army School of Artillery in the spirit of jointmanship. The alumni of the institution have distinguished themselves in war and peace through exemplary acts of courage, unwavering commitment and impeccable professionalism. The alumni include one Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Yudh Seva Medal, five Veer Chakra and seven Shaurya Chakra awardees.

    The Gunnery School has evolved over a period of time to become an institution of international repute providing training on all facets of gunnery and missile warfare. In recognition of the Gunnery School’s yeoman service to the nation, the President’s Colour is being awarded to INS Dronacharya on 16 Mar 2023. The ceremonial parade for the presentation of colours would be held at 1620 h and reviewed by the President of India. Governor of Kerala; Chief Minister of Kerala; Chief of the Naval Staff, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command and other senior service and civilian dignitaries will also be present on the occasion. Live streaming of the parade will commence at 1550 h on DD National and Indian Navy YouTube channel.

  • Common Communication Plan for Coastal Security

    Common Communication Plan for Coastal Security

    New Delhi, 13th March. A Common Communication Plan (COMPLAN) for Coastal Security has been promulgated by Department of Border Management (BM-II Division)/Ministry of Home Affairs for coordination among various agencies for the coastal security of the country.

    Under this COMPLAN, following agencies are coordinating:

    1.             Indian Coast Guard

    2.             Indian Navy

    3.             State Marine Police/State Police

    4.             Customs/Immigration

    5.             CISF/BSF

    6.             DG Shipping

    7.             Department of Fisheries (MoFAHD)

    8.             Ports/State Maritime Boards

    9.             Department of Forest & Environment

    10.            State/UT Administration

    11.            Intelligence Agencies

    12.            Oil Handling Agencies

    13.            Narcotics Control Bureau

    14.            Directorate General of Lighthouse and Lightship

    15.            Director General of Shipping

    Some of the major threats to Indian coastal security include illegal migrants, narcotics, smuggling, transgression of fishermen across IMBL, safety and protection of offshore terminals etc.

    This information was given by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Ajay Bhatt in a written reply to Dr Sonal Mansingh in Rajya Sabha on 13th March.

  • Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy

    Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy

    New Delhi, 12 March. Indian Navy’s indigenously built guided missile frigate, INS Sahyadri participated in a Maritime Partnership Exercise (MPX) with French Navy (FN) ships FS Dixmude, a Mistral Class Amphibious Assault Ship and FS La Fayette, a La Fayette Class Frigate, in the Arabian Sea on 10 – 11 March 2023.

    The exercise witnessed a wide spectrum of evolutions at sea which included cross deck landings, boarding exercises and seamanship evolutions. The seamless conduct of the exercise reaffirmed the interoperability and high level of cooperation between the two navies.

    INS Sahyadri is fitted with state-of –the art weapons and sensors, which makes her capable of detecting and neutralising air, surface and sub-surface threats. The ship is a part of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam, under operational control of FOCinC (East).

  • Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX-23) Indian Navy’s Largest War Game

    Theatre Level Operational Readiness Exercise (TROPEX-23) Indian Navy’s Largest War Game

    New Delhi, 9th March. Indian Navy’s major Operational level exercise TROPEX for the year 2023, conducted across the expanse of IOR over a duration of four months from Nov 22 – Mar 23, culminated this week in the Arabian Sea. The overall exercise construct included Coastal Defence exercise Sea Vigil and the Amphibious Exercise AMPHEX. Together, these exercises also witnessed significant participation from the Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Coast Guard.

    Set in the Indian Ocean including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, the theatre of operations for the exercise extended approximately 4300 nm from North to South upto 35 deg South Latitude and 5000 nm from Persian Gulf in the West to North Australia coast in the East, spanning an area of over 21 million square nautical miles. TROPEX 23 witnessed participation of approximately 70 Indian Navy ships, six submarines and over 75 aircraft.

    The culmination of TROPEX 23 brings to an end an intense operational phase for the Indian Navy that commenced in Nov 2022. As part of the final Joint Phase, the Hon’ble Raksha Mantri spent a day at sea onboard the newly commissioned Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant on 06 Mar 23. He reviewed the Indian Navy’s operational preparedness and material readiness wherein the Navy demonstrated operational manoeuvers and various facets of combat operations, including deck operations of indigenous LCA and live weapon firings. While addressing the Fleets, he lauded the Operational preparedness of the Indian Navy and emphasised that the country looks up to the Navy to ensure that the economic lifelines and military capabilities of our adversaries are disrupted to the extent where their warfighting endeavours can no longer be sustained.  He also stated that he is fully reassured that Indian Navy is wholly capable of safeguarding India’s national interests in the maritime domain and will thwart the diabolical designs of any potential adversaries who seek to threaten India’s peaceful existence. The Hon’ble RM complimented the Indian Navy for being at the forefront of the ‘Make in India’ Initiative and leveraging the path of Aatmanirbharta to be ‘Combat Ready, Credible, Cohesive and Future Proof’.

  • Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief Of Naval Staff, Royal Navy Visit To India

    Sir Ben Key, First Sea Lord and Chief Of Naval Staff, Royal Navy Visit To India

    New Delhi, 3rd March. Sir Ben Key First Sea First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, Royal Navy is visiting India on a two-day official visit from 02 – 03 Mar 23 to participate in Raisina Dialogue at Delhi. During the visit, on 02 Mar 23, Sir Ben Key paid homage at National War Memorial and laid a wreath. He also interacted with Adm R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff on 02 Mar 23. The discussions encompassed various issues of common interest and included maritime capability development and greater naval cooperation to further enhance the interoperability between the two navies to address emerging threats. The discussions emphasized on the significance accorded by both countries for a collaborative approach towards maritime security in Indo-Pacific.

     

    The bilateral relationship between India and UK was upgraded to a ‘Strategic Partnership’ in 2004 and was further strengthened through reciprocal visits by the Hon’ble Prime Ministers of both countries. The Indian Navy – Royal Navy cooperation have been steered in accordance UK-India Joint statement announced during PM Boris Johnson’s visit to India in April 2022, in the joint statement both Prime Ministers had reiterated their commitment to transform defence and security cooperation as a key pillar of the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    The engagements between Indian Navy and Royal Navy include operational interactions such as the Bilateral Exercise KONKAN and Joint Services Exercise Konkan Shakti, training exchanges and exchange of Maritime Information and Subject Matter Experts in various fields. In addition, warships from both Navies regularly make port calls at each other’s ports, especially after the increased significance of the Indo-Pacific region. The Visit of the First Sea Lord Sir Ben Key is another noteworthy aspect of the Navy to Navy relations and is a consolidation of growing engagements between both the navies.

  • Keel Laying Of Third 25T BP Tug, Yard 337(Ashva) at M/s Titagarh Wagons Pvt Ltd, Kolkata

    Keel Laying Of Third 25T BP Tug, Yard 337(Ashva) at M/s Titagarh Wagons Pvt Ltd, Kolkata

    New Delhi, 3rd March. Keel for third 25T Bollard Pull (BP) Tug, Yard 337 (Ashva) was laid by Capt VS Bawa, WPS (Kol) on 03 Mar 23 at M/s Titagarh Wagons Pvt Ltd, Kolkata. With all major and auxiliary equipment/systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, this Tug is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Ministry of Defence.

    Contract for construction of six 25 Ton Bollard Pull Tugs was concluded with M/s Titagarh Wagons Ltd, Kolkata, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government of India. This Tug is being built with a service life of 30 years. The availability of Tugs will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating assistance to naval ships and submarines in berthing and un-berthing, turning and manoeuvering in confined waters. The Tugs will also provide afloat firefighting assistance to ships alongside and at anchorage and will have capability for limited Search and Rescue Operations.

  • First Ever Privately Manufactured Indigenised Fuze Of ASW Rocket Handed Over To Indian Navy

    First Ever Privately Manufactured Indigenised Fuze Of ASW Rocket Handed Over To Indian Navy

    New Delhi, 3rd March. Indian Navy today received a fully indigenised fuze YDB-60 for underwater Rocket RGB 60 manufactured for the first time by a private Indian industry.

    In order to provide major boost to AatmaNirbharta in Armament and Ammunition, Indian Navy received for the first time a fully indigenised fuze YDB-60 for underwater Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) Rocket RGB-60 used from major warships, through a private manufacturer M/s Economic Explosives Limited (EEL), Nagpur. This would be the first time the Indian Navy has placed supply order for underwater ammunition fuze on an Indian Private industry.

    Shri Satyanarayan Nuwal, the CMD of M/s EEL, Nagpur handed over the first consignment of the fuze to Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS),

    Speaking on this occasion, VAdm Ghormade stated that “The growing participation of private industries in manufacture of armament and ammunition is appreciable and this is providing a major boost in the AatmaNirbharta of Armed Forces. Development and Manufacture of such a fuze by private industry for the first time, using simulated dynamic trial facilities is a major achievement for the country“.

    All technical assistance to the manufacturer towards creating a vibrant ecosystem for manufacture of ammunition and fuze in India in pursuit of AatmaNirbharta’ has been provided by the Directorate General of Naval Armament (DGONA) and Directorate General of Naval Armament Inspection (DGNAI), Indian Navy.