Navy's expansion, growth anchored on self reliance and indigenisation: Admiral Dhowan

Complimenting all personnel of the Indian Navy for their professionalism and patriotism, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral R.K. Dhowan on Thursday exhorted them to prepare themselves and the Navy to meet the maritime security challenges being faced by the nation.

He also outlined three inter-related priorities-sustaining combat readiness, building capabilities for the future and addressing human resource challenges.

Addressing the concluding session of the first edition of the biannual naval commanders' conference held here between June 24 and 26, Admiral Dhowan emphasised that combat readiness of the fleet and other operational formations is of prime importance and focussed efforts are required at all levels to ensure sustained growth of the navy into a formidable multi-dimensional force.

Asserting that the induction of the INS Vikramaditya with integral fighter aircraft is a substantial boost to the navy's capabilities, the Admiral said the navy's surface capability is further poised for a quantum jump with the planned induction of Kolkata (P15 A Destroyer) and Kamorta (P 28 ASW Frigate) in the near future.

He also expressed satisfaction at the steady augmentation of assets in the aviation arm of the Navy with progressive induction of P 8I LRMR aircraft, commissioning of ALH squadron and induction of AJT aircraft.

Discussions were also held on the ongoing LCA (Navy) project. Capability gaps resulting from the ageing submarine fleet, shortage of integral helicopters in the fleets and the need for Mine Counter Measure Vessels (MCMVs) were also discussed.

Admiral Dhowan discussed the self-reliance programme of the navy and stressed that indigenisation of platforms, weapons, sensors and equipment, through public as well as private sectors, should remain an area of focus.

He emphasized that the roadmap for the navy's expansion and growth would continue to remain anchored on self-reliance and indigenisation.

The chief of naval staff reviewed the 'coastal security construct' and was satisfied with the steady progress made in strengthening the coastal security apparatus viz. induction of FICs, ISVs and NC3 I project.

He asserted the need to remain ever vigilant and focussed towards our coastal security responsibilities, through proactive coordination with other maritime agencies and coastal states.

He highlighted the Indian Navy's foreign cooperation initiatives and engagements, which he said are growing considerably and past efforts have borne fruit in various forms.

He reviewed progress of various infrastructure projects that are in pipeline and shall contribute towards futuristic capacity building.

The need to adopt sustainable green technologies, re-cycling and waste management to reduce carbon footprint of our bases, in pursuance of the energy goals of our country were impressed upon by Admiral Dhowan.

He reiterated his vision to run a taut, effective and happy Navy.

One of the highlights of the conference was the opportunity naval commanders' had to interact with Ministry of Defence officials and the other service chiefs.

Army Chief General Bikram Singh and Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha also addressed top naval brass and discussed with them issues pertaining to joint operations and military synergy.

Senior naval commander's discussed several important issues during the conference, including operational readiness, coastal security, maintenance philosophy and quality of refits for ensuring combat effectiveness of platforms, infra-structure development and foreign cooperation initiatives, amongst others.

Admiral Dhowan concluded the conference, which was inaugurated by Defence Minister Arun Jaitley, by saying: "We need to pull on the oars together to propel the Navy to greater heights.