Indigenisation main focus at naval commanders' conference

Self-reliance and indigenisation of Indian navy's assets remained in the focus as top naval commanders met here.

Navy chief, Admiral R.K. Dhowan discussed the self-reliance programme and stressed that indigenisation of platforms, weapons, sensors and equipment, through public as well as private sectors, should remain a priority area of focus, an official statement said.

He said varied contributions of the navy to indigenisation and unflinching faith in ahome grown' capabilities is a matter of pride and needs to be strengthened further.

He further also said that the ongoing mechanisms to enhance Navy-DRDO synergy must be continued.

The top naval commanders took stock of the substantial boost provided to the Navy's capabilities with the induction of aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya with integral fighter aircraft, destroyer INS Kolkata, anti-submarine warfare frigate INS Kamorta and offshore patrol vessel INS Sumitra.

The Navy chief also expressed satisfaction at the steady augmentation of assets in the aviation arm of the Navy with progressive induction of P8I long range marine reconnaisance and Hawk trainer aircraft.

Capability gaps in the submarine fleet, and ship borne helicopters were also discussed.

During the course of the conference, Admiral Dhowan reviewed progress of various infrastructure projects that are in pipeline and would contribute towards futuristic capacity building.

The need to adopt sustainable green technologies, re-cycling and waste management to reduce carbon footprint of naval bases, in pursuance of the energy goals of the country and the navy's multi-pronged environment conservation roadmap were impressed upon by the naval commanders.

The conference, that started Oct 14 and concluded Thursday, also discussed important issues like operational and combat effectiveness and coastal security.