Indian Navy is envisaging having a new 'Safety Organisation' to enhance safe operations of its warships, submarines and aircraft in view of its increasing fleet strength planned over the next decade.
This issue was discussed at the just concluded naval commanders conference held in New Delhi.
Indian Navy has had mishaps in the recent months involving its warships and submarines such as merchant vessel MV Nordlake ramming into INS Vindhyagiri when the warship was entering the Mumbai harbour in January 2011 and the mishap on INS Shakush submarine that claimed the life of a navy commander.
It is also planning to induct at least 50 warships in the next decade, including the INS Vikramaditya aircraft carrier, INS Arihant nuclear-powered submarine and six Scorpene diesel-electric submarines. It also has acquisition schedules for 80 patrol boats.
"Considering the ongoing expansion programme of the Indian Navy, a new ‘Safety Organisation’ to enhance safe operations of ships, submarines and aircraft was also discussed at the three-day commanders conference," according to a navy spokesperson here.
The naval commander also discussed several important issues during the conference, including operational readiness, coastal security, infrastructure development, information and cyber security as also foreign cooperation initiatives.
The necessity for the Indian Navy to incorporate quantum enhancement in technology, ranging from nuclear propulsion to advanced weapon platforms and networked systems, was highlighted by Indian Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma, especially in view of the recent induction of INS Chakra, the impending arrival of INS Vikramaditya and the P8-I Long Range Maritime Surveillance aircraft.
Verma expressed satisfaction at the modernisation and capability enhancement of the Indian Navy, which was proceeding as per the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan.
He highlighted the fact that four or five major warships and submarines were likely to be commissioned every year over the next five years and that naval aviation was poised for major growth in the years ahead. |