Indian Navy's new frigate to be fitted with BRAHMOS

NEW DELHI (PTI): India will get a new frigate within six to eight months from Russia that will be equipped with the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile system.

"During his visit to Russia, Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma reviewed the progress of the Talwar Class follow-on warships, under construction at the Yantar shipyard there and was reassured that the first ship 'Teg' would commence trials shortly and be delivered in six to eight months," the Navy said in a release here.
The Navy chief returned on July 18 from Russia after a six-day visit during which he took stock of all the major Indian navy projects undergoing there.

Indian Navy commissions FAC INS Koswari

VISAKHAPATNAM (PTI): Aiming at extending its coastal and offshore surveillance and patrol, the Indian Navy has commissioned indigenously built Fast Attack Craft (FAC) in a function held at the eastern naval command here.

Designed and built by state-run Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata, INS Koswari is a highly manoeuvrable craft and ideally suited for deployment along the coast, a defence release said.
The craft was commissioned Tuesday by General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command of the Indian Army, Lieutenant General Bikram Singh.

The craft's ability to operate in shallow waters at high speed, along with its day-and-night surveillance capability, coupled with enhanced fire power, was expected to give the requisite impetus to combating asymmetric threats emanating from the sea, it said.

Named after an island off Tuticorin, INS Koswari, measuring 52 meters in length and displacing 325 tonnes, could achieve speed in excess of 30 knots, the release added.

Lieutenant Commander Anil Kumar would be commanding the craft along with a crew of four officers and 35 sailors.

Fitted with advanced MTU engines and latest communication sets for the purpose of 'extended coastal and offshore surveillance and patrol', INS Koswari would be based at Karwar, under the naval officer-in-charge (Karnataka).

It would be deployed in coastal patrol and anti-piracy missions, along the Konkan coast and Lakshadweep group of islands, the release said.

The modified aluminium superstructure of the vessel reduces the top weight and enhances its ability to propel at high speeds keeping in mind critical requirements of the naval craft for improved stealth and networking capabilities.

INS Koswari is complied with the latest regulations of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) on sea pollution, the release said.

Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Anup Singh, Chief Managing Director, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Rear Admiral (retd) K C Sekhar and senior naval officers attended the function.

Source : http://www.brahmand.com/news/Indian-Navy-commissions-FAC-INS-Koswari/7509/1/10.html

Indian Navy to procure new multi-role helicopters

NEW DELHI (PTI): Augmenting its fleet of multi role helicopters, the Navy is looking to procure more such choppers for carrying out anti-submarine warfare and Special Forces' operations.

In a Request for Information (RFI) issued recently, the Navy has said it intends to procure new Naval Multi Role Helicopters (NMRH) for anti-submarine, anti-surface and Special Commando operations roles.
Interestingly, the Navy has shown its intent to procure these choppers at a time when it is already planning to start the trials for buying 16 MRHs from the two contenders Sikorsky S-70B and European NH-90 next month under a separate tender.

Navy officials told PTI that the earlier tender process will continue and the trials would be carried out as per the original schedule.

In its requirement for the next batch of helicopters, the navy stated that the basic chopper for performing all the specified roles should be same with common airframe, engines, avionics and it should be capable of changing roles with ease.

"The NMRH should be of contemporary design with modern, reliable and fuel efficient engines and fully integrated advanced avionics and weapons suite employing the latest concepts for detection, identification, classification of surface and subsurface targets along with the ability to detect air targets," it said in the RFI document.

The Navy also wants the chopper to have the air to air refuelling capability for enhanced endurance and reach.

The vendors taking part in the contract will also be required to invest back at least 30 per cent of the worth of the contract as offsets into the Indian defence, civilian aerospace or the homeland security sectors.

Possible contenders for the deal include NH-90, Sikorsky and Lockheed martin's MH-60 Romeo, which was not selected for the early tender as it was being offered through the Foreign Military Sales route.

The navy at present relies on its fleet of Sea King helicopters which were inducted in tow different phases in the 80s.

India, Pakistan accuse each other's Navies of aggression on high seas

NEW DELHI/ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani humanitarian effort that secured the release of Indians along with Pakistanis from Somalian pirates is fast turning into a war of words between the two governments. Each is accusing the other's Navy of aggression on the high seas while escorting m.v. Suez, which was released earlier this week after 10 months in captivity.

A day after Pakistan officially protested against the aggression by INS Godavari towards PNS Babur, India on Saturday lodged a similar protest with the Pakistan High Commission about its naval vessel. “PNS Babur, by its risky manoeuvres, jeopardised the safety of INS Godavari and its crew.”

Pakistan had accused the Indian vessel of hampering humanitarian operations being carried out by PNS Babur and making “dangerous manoeuvres,” which resulted in the two ships “brushing past” each other.

According to External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vishnu Prakash, Pakistan's Naval Adviser in New Delhi was summoned by the Defence Ministry on Friday to register the “serious concerns at PNS Babur's risky manoeuvres.” In Islamabad, Pakistan conveyed a similar protest about INS Godavari around 6.30 p.m. through Deputy High Commissioner Rahul Kulsreshtha and informed the media later in the night.

Both countries cited violation of regulations on navigational safety contained in the ‘International Regulations for Prevention of Collisions at Sea' and Article 10 of the ‘Agreement between India-Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements 1991.'

Earlier in the day, the Indian Navy described reports of aggression by INS Godavari as incorrect. This incident is said to have happened in the Gulf of Aden on Thursday while m.v. Suez was being escorted towards Oman.

On Thursday, the Indian Navy had put out a statement claiming that it had been tasked to escort m.v.Suez that very morning. “On reaching m.v. Suez, INS Godavari made every effort through all available means and channels to communicate with Suez. However, the Master of m.v. Suez did not respond.” After confirming that m.v. Suez was being escorted by other warships deployed in the Gulf of Aden, INS Godavari returned to its task of protecting two other merchant vessels carrying 21 Indians.

Indian Navy Chief visiting Moscow next month

NEW DELHI (PTI): In the backdrop of the Russian Navy backing out of a joint exercise with the Indian Navy at the last minute, Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma will travel to Moscow next month for discussions with the country's top military leadership.

The Navy chief will meet the top military leadership of Russia and discuss ongoing military projects such as the retrofit of Admiral Gorshkov and construction of the three Talwar class frigates there, officials said here.
The two sides are also likely to discuss the last-minute decision by Russian Navy not to hold an exercise with Indian Navy ships, which had gone there for a joint drill, they said.

The Navy chief had expressed "element of disappointment" after the exercises were not held at the final stages.

The Navy chief is also likely to discuss the delivery schedule of the Akula Class Nerpa nuclear submarines and the aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov.

Under a confidential pact, India is leasing an Akula Class submarine from Russia, which is expected to be delivered by the end of this year.

At present, Defence Secretary Pradeep Kumar along with Defence Production Secretary Rajkumar Singh are in Russia to discuss the bilateral defence ties.

Officials said there will be a number of visits by senior Indian officials to Russia before the summit-level meeting between the heads of states in December.

India to build 34 naval ships, submarines

NEW DELHI (PTI): Marking a modernisation spree, Indian Navy is constructing 34 ships and submarines and is in the process of acquiring aircraft, destroyers and missiles to equip it to meet all challenges.

Addressing top Naval Commanders here, Defence Minister A K Antony on Wednesday said thrust was being given to indigenous capabilities while modernising the force.

"Thirty-four ships and submarines are in various stages of construction at different shipyards. A large number of contracts have been concluded for acquisition of aircraft, destroyers, fleet tankers, jet trainers, missiles, UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) and radars," he said.

Navy Chief Admiral Nirmal Verma on Tuesday said almost all the naval ships planned to be inducted in the next 15 years would be built in India.

Besides inducting new assets, India is also focusing on revamping its indigenous ship-building capabilities.

As part of this, Antony last week commissioned the first-of-its-kind and the biggest ship-lift system at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), which will significantly reduce the time and effort in repairing ships and constructing new ones.

With a Rs 800 crore and four-phased modernisation plan, GSL is expected to augment its capacity to fabricate and construct steel, aluminium and hull of the naval vessels to nearly three times.

Indian Navy operationalises JOCs at three naval commands

NEW DELHI (PTI): To improve coordination among agencies involved in maritime security, Indian Navy has operationalised Joint Operation Centres at its three Naval Commands and in Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

It has also put in place Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to conduct joint maritime drills. 

"JOCs have been established at Western, Eastern and Southern Naval Commands and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Navy has also issued a set of SOPs to coordinate with Indian Coast Guards (ICG) and other stake holders in maritime security," Defence Ministry officials said here. 

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Indian Army, Air Force joint exercise to start tomorrow

JAIPUR (PTI): A six-day long joint exercise of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force will begin Monday in the deserts of Bikaner and Suratgarh near Pakistan border.

'Vijayee Bhava', the May 9-14 inter-services exercise, will involve tank to tank wars, helicopter operations and others, Army officials said.

Personnel from both the services are practising for 15 days to successfully carry out the drill.

According to the Indian Army, it has conducted 10 major exercises near the Pakistan border in the last six years and this exercise will boost synergy between the Indian defence forces.

"Battlefield tactics for warfare are being practiced in the exercise which also aims at fine-tuning the concept of Cold Start doctrine," an official said. Cold Start was a military doctrine developed by the Indian Armed Forces in 2004 and involves joint operations between the three main services Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Indian Navy concludes exercise 'Sagar Kavach'

NEW DELHI (PTI): Seeking to enhance coordination between agencies involved in the country’s coastal and maritime security, the Indian Navy has completed a two-day exercise – Sagar Kavach – off the coast of Goa and Maharashtra.

“The exercise was a drill for all the stake holders in maritime security. It was a periodic exercise aimed at improving coordination between Navy, Coast Guard, customs, port authorities and marine police,” an Indian Navy official said here. 

Navy and Coast Guards participated in the exercise with ships, aircraft and ground forces, while other agencies put forward their required resources to ensure a foolproof coordination.

“Such exercises are conducted every few months. The idea is to hold it with two neighbouring states to find out the loopholes and plug them and ensure a smooth coordination between them,” the official said.

The latest exercise, which concluded Thursday, was conducted under the overall command of newly appointed Western Naval Commander Vice-Admiral DK Joshi.

Vice Admiral Joshi new Western Naval Command chief

MUMBAI (PTI): Vice Admiral D K Joshi Saturday took charge as the chief of the Western Naval Command headquartered in the metropolis.

He succeeded Vice Admiral Sanjeev Bhasin, who retired from the Navy after four decades of illustrious service.

"A specialist in anti-submarine Warfare, Vice Admiral D K Joshi assumed Command of the Western Naval Command at a ceremonial parade at `INS Shikra' here," said Defence Assistant PRO Narendrakumar Vispute.

Joshi has commanded the guided-missile corvette `Kuthar', Guided-Missile Destroyer `Ranvir' and the aircraft carrier `Viraat'.

He is a graduate of the Naval War College, USA, an alumnus of the College of Naval Warfare, Mumbai, and the prestigious National Defence College, New Delhi, Vispute added.

Joshi has held several important staff appointments.

His last two appointments were as Commander-in-Chief of Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) and Chief of Integrated Defence Staff to Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee (CISC), he said.

Indian warships pay friendly visit to Vladivostok

Five Indian warships arrived in Russia's Pacific Fleet (PF) main naval base Vladivostok on Monday to pay a friendly visit; guests were met with martial music and bread-and-salt hospitality.

Indian and Russian national anthems were played on the pier at the Golden Horn Bay where entered the Indian task unit. It consists of of three destroyers INSDelhi, INS Ranvir, and INS Ranvijay, corvette INSKirch, and tanker INS Jyoti. Girls dressed in Russian national costumes handed over bread and salt to Indian officers; that is a symbol of Russian hospitality. 

The visit of Indian task unit under the flag of Rear Admiral Bish, Eastern Naval Command will last till Apr 22, reports RIA Novosti referring to PF Commander press-secretary Capt 1 rank Roman Martov. PF large ASW ship Admiral Tributs plays a role of the host ship. 

"Indian military delegation plans to pay visits to Pacific Fleet command and Mayor of Vladivostok. Indian guests are going to attend memorable sites of the city and the fleet. Indian Navy's band gave a big concert Monday evening in Naval Officers' Club", specified the interviewee. 

According to him, during the visit Pacific mariners will play a friendly soccer game with their Indian colleagues. The visit program also includes some informal meetings between naval servicemen of the two countries. Locals and guests of Vladivostok will be allowed to board Indian warships. 

"Current visit to Vladivostok is the second one for Indian sailors. First time they did it in 2007 during theINDRA-2007 joint naval exercise. In their turn, PF warships called at Indian ports several times in 90's, and then in 2001, 2003, and 2005", reminded Martov.

Indian Navy boosts Eastern Naval command, appoints Vice Admiral

NEW DELHI (BNS): The Indian Navy has upgraded the post of the Chief of Staff (CoS) at its Eastern Naval Command (ENC) by appointing a three-star officer at the command for the first time. 

Rear Admiral S Lanba is set to take over as the first three-star Chief of Staff of the Vishakhapatanam-based ENC on May 1 after his elevation to the rank of Vice Admiral. 

The move comes in the wake of increased Chinese presence at the Bay of Bengal. 

“The upgradation of the post signifies the importance attached to the Eastern frontiers as the Command's area of responsibility has also expanded in comparison to the earlier times," Navy officials said here.

Earlier, the officials said, the focus was on the western front only as Pakistan was the only perceived enemy but after the adoption of the Look East policy, focus was laid on upgrading the capabilities in the Eastern sector as well.

The Indian Navy has deployed its latest warships, aircrafts at the eastern coast.

The Navy has deployed its amphibious warship INS Jalashwa, Shivalik Class frigates and the P-8I long range maritime surveillance aircraft on the eastern front.

It also plans to deploy one of its two future aircraft carriers on the East Coast.

The East Coast faces six littoral states including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and Sri Lanka. In the recent past, there have been reports that China has been developing facilities in Myanmar for military uses.

Indian Coast Guard base in Ratnagiri to be launched today

NEW DELHI (PTI): Enhancing the coastal security network in Maharashtra, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will commission its base in Ratnagiri on Saturday.

"The station would play an effective role in undertaking joint coastal patrol along with the state police, Customs and Fisheries Department to thwart maritime security threats," Defence Ministry officials said here.

The station will be commissioned by Coast Guard Chief Vice Admiral Anil Chopra and will be commanded by Commandant B H Kumbhare.

One more Coast Guard station at Dahanu in Maharashtra has been planned in this year for commission.

A plan to set up a Coast Guard Air Station at Ratnagiri is also on the anvil. This will be the first full-fledged ICG air station in Maharashtra.

"The air station will play a crucial role in maritime surveillance and Search and Rescue and adjoining coast of Maharashtra.

Indian, Singaporean navies hold war game in China's backyard

New Delhi, March 24 (IANS) The Indian Navy is engaged in a week-long advanced war game with its Singaporean counterpart in the South China Sea, the backyard of giant neighbour China.

The 'Simbex' exercise, which began March 18, is the 18th in a series that began in 1994.

China has claimed most part of the South China Sea as its territory and has a maritime boundary dispute with several countries of the region, including Singapore.

Hosted by Singapore this year, the exercise is witnessing joint naval warfare training involving air, surface and sub-surface dimensions, aimed at enhancing the interoperability and mutual understanding between the two navies, an Indian Navy press release said here Thursday.

'The exercise comprises a shore phase, already held at the Changi Naval Base, and a sea phase currently being carried out in the South China Sea,' the release added.

Singapore is participating in the exercise with three frigates, a missile corvette, a submarine and a maritime patrol aircraft, while its air force will deploy a fighter aircraft. India has sent three destroyers, a corvette, a fleet tanker and a maritime patrol aircraft.

'Simbex started in 1994 as a training-oriented anti-submarine warfare exercise and has since grown in scale and complexity over the years. The exercise underscores the long-standing defence ties between the Republic of Singapore Navy and the Indian Navy,' the release said.

The two navies also interact regularly through a range of activities, including professional exchange programmes, staff talks and courses

Indian Navy's INAS 310 celebrates 50 glorious years

NEW DELHI (PTI): The Indian Navy's only aircraft carrier-based squadron, INAS-310 'COBRA', celebrated its golden jubilee on Monday at its home base in Goa.

"The COBRA has won six Vir Chakras (VrC), six Nao Sena Medals and three mention-in-Despatches for its role in 1971 Indo-Pakistan war. It also participated in Kargil war in 1999 and Operation Parakram in 2002," Navy officials said here.

Raised on March 21, 1961 in France, COBRA flew the French Alizes aircraft on Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) missions, and operated from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant till May 1987.

With induction of Dornier 228 aircraft in 1991, the squadron transformed itself into a shore-based Maritime Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare squadron and saw action in 1999 and 2002.

"During the two Operations, the squadron operated from Indian Air Force (IAF) airfields located in the western sector, far away from the seas. The aircrafts were re-painted from white and blue to steel grey to suit the missions," officials added.

Goa Chief Minister Digambar Kamat released a special cover and coffee table on the occasion.

Indian, Singapore navy to engage in five-day naval exercise in South China Sea

SINGAPORE (PTI): The five-day joint naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the Singapore Navy will start Saturday in the South China Sea.

Five Indian navy ships, under the command of Rear Admiral Harish Chandra Singh Bisht, arrived in Singapore on Friday for the drill that aims to strengthen bilateral maritime security relations.

The joint exercises, held on alternate year in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, has built up understanding and knowledge between Indian and Singapore navies, Rear Admiral Joseph Leong, Fleet Commander of the Republic of Singapore Navy told PTI at a reception hosted on board INS Jyoti.

He cited benefits of the joint exercise and cooperation developed by the Indian and Singapore navies in tackling major challenges and especially the piracy in the Gulf of Aden.

"We understand each other and have a high level contact in managing maritime security," said Rear Admiral Leong.

Rear Admiral Bisht said the annual exercises, held since 1994, were important to sharpen the skill of naval forces.

INS Delhi, INS Ranvijay, INS Ranveer, INS Jyoti and INS Kirch manned by 1,400 naval personnel are participating in the exercise. Singapore will have four naval ships including a submarine.

INS Ranvijay, the most powerful Indian naval ship, will carry out anti-submarine and anti-missile exercises.

But this time, the exercises would be a "mock warfare" though in the past live firing were tried out.

INS Vikramaditya to start sea trials in the falls

Indian carrier INS Vikramaditya (former Russian aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Gorshkov) which is being modernized at defense shipyardSevmash will conduct her first sortie in the falls of 2011, reported ITAR-TASS referring to Anastasia Nikitinskaya, the head of Sevmash's press service, having specified that "approximately, in October or November". 

The carrier undergoes mooring trials since March 1. According to Sevmash's press service, test of main propulsion plant will be the most complicated and critical. Another high-end task is testing of radioelectronic systems including those made in India, and air-technical facilities. End objective of mooring trials is preparation of shipborne systems for coming sea trials. 

According to Russian-Indian intergovernmental package agreement signed in Jan 2004 in New Delhi, hull of Russian aircraft-carrying cruiser Admiral Gorshkov was handed over to India for free providing that the ship would be modernized by Sevmash and equipped with Russian-made air wing. Also, Russia will train about 1 500 Indian crewmembers and construct basing infrastructure in the Indian Ocean. As reported by Indian sources, Russian aircraft carrier would cost them $2.33 bln. 

The carrier must be delivered to Indian Navy in the end of 2012. Reportedly, her service life would be 30 years. 

Admiral Gorshkov (formerly named Baku) was commissioned into Northern Fleet in 1987. The ship's length was 283 meters; beam – 51 meters; displacement – 45,000 tons. The carrier's after-upgrade specifications have not been disclosed so far.

Russia will lease SSN Nerpa to India no later than in Oct 2011

Russia will lease nuclear-powered attack submarine (SSN) Nerpa to India no later than in Oct 2011, reported RIA Novosti referring to a high-ranking source in Russian Navy Main HQ. 

Some media agencies previously reported that SSNNerpa had been allegedly leased to India for a 10-year term. 

"Nerpa is fully ready for leasing. Currently, Indian crew is trained in the sub along with Russian instructors. The training must be completed by October, as we're behind the schedule", said the interviewee. 

He specified that Indian submariners must complete the full training program including cruise missile firings. 

"What we must do now is to "coach" the Indian crew in full", said the admiral. 

Then the sub will head for India, he concluded. 

It was planned to hand over SSN Nerpa to Indian Navy as early as 2009, but a fire occurred in the sub on Nov 8, 2008 during the shipyard's sea trials in the Sea of Japan. As a result of unauthorized operation of firefighting system, freon gas entered the sub's compartments. Twenty men died, other 21 were intoxicated. Totally, there were 208 men on board the submarine while the accident happened. 

SSN Nerpa was commissioned into Russian Navy after repair in Dec 2009. 

According to RIA Novosti, the $920 mln contract provides the lease term of 10 years. 

SSN Nerpa (K-152, Project 971 Schuka-B) is a third-generation submarine laid down at Amur Shipyard(Komsomolsk-on-Amur) in 1991. However, financing of the sub's construction was shut down in mid-90's. Completion of the submarine became possible only under India's investment. 

The sub's displacement is 8,140/12,770 tons; max speed is 30 knots; test depth is 600 meters; endurance is 100 days; crew is 73; armament includes four 533-mm torpedo tubes and four 650-mm torpedo tubes.

First Scorpene submarine delivery in 2015: Antony

NEW DELHI (PTI): The delivery of the first Scorpene submarine under Project-75 to the Indian Navy has been put off till second half of 2015, Parliament was informed Monday.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Defence Minister A K Antony said, "The first submarine is now scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2015. There has been delay due to initial teething problems, absorption of complex technology, augmentation of MDL Infrastructure and procurement of purchased material."

A programme for construction of six submarine is currently underway at Mazagaon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai under Project-75.

"As per the contract, first submarine was scheduled to be delivered in December 2012 and thereafter, one each every year till December 2017," Antony said.

Informing the House on increase in the project cost, he said, "Government has accorded approval for revision in the cost of Project-75 on account of increase in cost of items purchased by the MDL, related subheads and additional infrastructure."

He said that the Defence Procurement Procedure 2011 has envisaged monitoring of all acquisitions to rule out slippages.

"To ensure that no such slippages occur in future, DPP-2011 envisages close monitoring of acquisitions cases at appropriate level," Antony said.

Indian Navy captures 61 pirates in Arabian Sea

The Indian Navy has seized a pirate ship, rescuing 13 crewmembers and arresting 61 suspected Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea, national media reported on Monday.

"The Vega 5, a pirate mother vessel, was intercepted by a fast attack craft, INS Kalpeni. Sixty-one pirates were apprehended and 13 crew members rescued," a Navy official said, adding that the incident happened on Saturday night.

The Navy said the INS Kalpeni directed "limited" fire on the vessel after being shot at.

The Indian Navy has deployed three ships in the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea to deal with the piracy threat.

In January, India's Navy sank two pirate ships and apprehended 43 pirates.