The Indian Navy's Perspective Planning Is Designed to Deliver Capabilities Commensurate With Our Maritime Interests

Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba in an exclusive interaction with SP’s M.A.I. said that “2016 witnessed the induction of a number of state-of-the-art platforms”.

SP’s M.A.I. (SP’s): Over the past one year, how would you like to rate the progress of maritime capability build-up of the surface combatants of the Indian Navy, including the aircraft carriers, as also the projects under construction/development?

Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS): The year 2016 witnessed the induction of a number of state-of-the-art platforms such as the guided missile destroyer, INS Chennai and anti-submarine warfare corvette, INS Kadmatt, along with other platforms like the water jet fast attack craft, INS Tihayu and fast interceptor craft for coastal security, among many others. Further, the first of the eight landing craft utility (LCU) Mk IV ships, L-51 has been delivered. In addition, the second ship of the P-15B class guided missile destroyers Mormugao was also launched this year. Delivery of MiG-29K, P-8I and Hawk trainer aircraft, contract conclusion for four P-8I aircraft and midlife upgrade of Kamov 28, would provide a fillip to the Indian Navy’s Aviation Arm. The first Project 75 submarine Kalvari is undergoing extensive trials and her induction would be another major milestone for our shipbuilding programme. So as you see our projects are all moving along at a good pace as per the blueprint laid down in our Maritime Capability Perspective Plan.

SP’s: As per available reports, the command of the Tri-Service Andaman and Nicobar Command will now permanently rest with a naval Commander-in-Chief. What are the plans to augment security apparatus, infrastructure and facilities and maritime force levels of the Command?