Air safety is of paramount importance to Navy: Dhowan

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan today said Indian Navy has been taking up remedial measures to avoid aircraft crash by analysing every accident, while stressing that air safety is of paramount importance.
"In the life and the operation of an aircraft there are various reasons where incidents occur. Every single incident is analysed, evaluated and we put in place remedial measures even before the board of inquiry comes out (with report)," Admiral Dhowan told reporters on the sidelines of an event held in Goa to 'de-induct' Sea Harriers, replacing them with MiG 29K fighter aircraft.
"Air safety is of paramount importance to us and we have strict regulations to ensure that our aircraft follow standard operating procedures so that the highest standards of safety are maintained," he said, responding to a question on air crashes that were reported in last few years, including those involving Sea Harriers.

Speaking about future inductions in the Navy, Admiral Dhowan said they are looking at inducting multi-role helicopters, and upgrades of Kamov 28 which are anti-submarine warfare helicopters.
"We are also looking at inducting Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH), and Medium Range Maritime Reconnaissance (MRMR) aircraft," he said.
The Indian Navy today 'de-inducted' its ageing Sea Harriers, replacing them with MiG 29K fighter aircraft which are already integrated onboard aircraft carrier INS Vikramditya.
Admiral Dhowan was the chief guest of the ceremony held at Goa's INS Hansa base in Vasco to bid adieu to Sea Harriers after their 33 years of service to the nation.

The Sea Harriers displayed a vertical landing formation at INS Hansa during the 'de-induction' event today.