.......................................................................................Government

 Navy to go hi-tech says FOC Madhvendra Singh  

The Indian Navy has embarked upon the development of infrastructure projects in the country, says Vice Admiral Madhvendra Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command. While speaking to mumbaibest.com, Vice Admiral Singh said that marine works projects have been launched for building `Seabird' naval base at Karwar in northern Karnataka.

The first phase of the project is estimated to cost approximately Rs 500 crore and by around 2006, naval vessels would be berthed at this base. ``A naval academy is in the process of being set up near Cannonore in North Kerala. The Indian Navy is inducting three new warships into its fleet - INS Brahmaputra, which is undergoing trials, INS Sindhushastra, the tenth kilo class submarine which was commissioned in St Petersburg in July, 2000 and INS Mumbai, a Delhi Class destroyer which would be inducted by January 2001", said Vice Admiral Singh.

Vice Admiral Singh added, "With the government's full support, the Indian Navy has been concentrating on creating a strong and well balanced Naval Force. Modernisation and indigenous technology application is an ongoing process in the force. India's only aircraft carrier INS Virat is being modernised and is expected to be operational by May 2001 and would remain in service for at least 10 years. The project of modernising INS Virat is estimated to cost around Rs 260 crore. Serious discussions are on with the Russian authorities for acquiring `Admiral Goroskhov,' an aircraft carrier, which is a high powered vessel that will change the entire equation in the north Arabian Sea. '' Vice Admiral Singh said that the feasibility report was `favourable' for the conversion of decommissioned vessel INS Vikrant into a maritime museum and the question remains as to who would fund this project. The Maharashtra government is planning to float tenders and whoever is taking over this project will take sole responsibility of berthing it. Currently, necessary hull repairs of the vessel are being carried out.The Vice Admiral also disclosed that there were some problems with regard to spares for Sea Harrier aircraft and Sea King helicpoters, as purchases were halted on account of US sanctions in May 1998, following the Pokhran nuclear test. "The servicability of the Sea Harriers and Sea Kings has dropped but could be revived through indeginisation and innovations. Currently, there is no plan to acquire new aircraft for the Navy. Though the Advanced Light Helicopter would join the fleet, in two versions. The utility version will replace the Chetak helicopters, and another version will be a replacement for Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), which will join the fleet within five years. In addition the Navy will acquire the Ka-31 helicopter which would be a powerful force multiplier. The Navy is even concentrating on preservation of ships in its fleet, as it would enhance the lifespan of the vessel equipment. For example, a missile boat of 1241-RE class is being `preserved', meaning that the vessel is not in operation for the moment. The design studies for an air-defence ship are being concluded and Cochin Shipyard has expressed its intent to manufacture these ships.''

By: Mani D'Mello