Focus on Development of Operational and Technical Infrastructure for Increasing Force Level: ADM Nirmal Verma

The second biannual Naval Commanders Conference of 2011 concluded in New Delhi on 14 Oct 11. This conference is held to discuss issues of operational relevance, identify capability gaps and to review the future plans of the Indian Navy 


Discussions during the conference that lasted over three days, focused on a range of issues relevant to the Navy`s preparedness and plans to develop a definitive roadmap for the future. The Navy has continued to maintain and sustain a high operational tempo while dealing with a large number of tasks and missions, including anti piracy and coastal security. This is in addition to the traditional tasks and missions entrusted to the Navy which include Overseas Deployments, intra IN exercises, bilateral exercises with friendly foreign countries and presence cum surveillance missions in the Indian Ocean Region with a view to discharge its role as the net security provider in the maritime domain in its area of operations. 


In his address, Adm Nirmal Verma, the Chief of the Naval Staff told the naval commanders that the primary challenge that was confronting the Navy was to balance its resources and building human capital and a requisite strategy so as to be responsive to the full spectrum of operations. The CNS also highlighted the progress made in various plans and programmes for the modernisation of the Navy. The initiatives and new schemes introduced for promotion and welfare of sailors and their families were also highlighted. 


The aviation arm of the Navy is set to grow in the years ahead. The first lot of MiG 29 K aircraft for Vikramaditya had been inducted this year and the balance are expected to be delivered in phases. A major milestone was the first flight of the P8I Maritime Patrol Aircraft in Sep this year. This aircraft is on schedule for its induction in 2013. 


Progress has also been made in the last few months for induction of ships with contracts for five Offshore Patrol Vessels, two Cadet Training Ships, eight Amphibious Landing Craft and Fast Interceptor Craft having been concluded. 


The Navy continues to maintain focus on development of operational and technical infrastructure, as the force levels increase. Cases for developing Forward Operating Bases (FOB), Operational Turn Around (OTR) bases and Naval Air Enclaves (NAE), on the mainland and in the islands are being progressed. Developing such infrastructure especially in Karwar and the far flung island territories has been accorded priority. 


Plans for the Navy`s growing role in the Indian Ocean Region were also discussed during the conference. 


PVS/ AKR 33/2011 
(Release ID :76676)