Lankan Navy participates in IFR-2016 in Visakhapatnam

Commander of Sri Lankan Navy Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne is representing Sri Lanka at the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2016 being held in India from 4th to 8th February 2016.

The Lanka Page website reported that over 24 foreign naval chiefs are attending the mega event conducted at Visakhapatnam with the participation of vessels from more than 50 nations, including China, Britain and France in Visakhapatnam.

A 275 member Sri Lankan delegation, led by Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne, and Sri Lanka Navy's Flag Ship SLNS Sayura are taking part in the second IFR organized by the Indian Navy and hosted by the Eastern Naval Command in the Bay of Bengal off Andhra Pradesh.

International Fleet Review 2016 is an international military exercise hosted and conducted by Indian Navy on behalf of the President of India.

Its objective is to enhance mutual trust and confidence with neighboring navies by inviting their ships to participate in the event.

The exercise will run through Monday with the participation of ninety ships, including 24 warships.

Over 75 helicopters of various types, including hawk jet fighters will also exhibit their talent in the Bay of Bengal during the 2nd IFR.

The first IFR was held on India's west coast in Mumbai in 2001.

The IFR-16 is proposed to be done at a much larger scale than ever done before and the Indian Navy is to display its maritime capabilities.

The events on Saturday includes ceremonial fleet review by Indian President Pranab Mukherjee and a parade of ships to be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

On Sunday, India's Defense Minister Manohar Parikkar will inaugurate a two day International Maritime Conference on the theme 'Partnering Together for a Secure Maritime Future'.