indian navy-backgrounder

Over more than a century ago, the famous American maritime strategist Alfred Thayer Mahan has predicted: "Whoever controls the Indian Ocean dominates Asia". The great geo-strategist and educator went on to further state that in the 21 st century, the destiny of the world would be decided upon its waters.


The presence of Americans, French, Russians and other navies in the Indian Ocean region, have changed the scenario completely. India also has the distinction of being the only country in the world, which have maritime boundaries with seven other countries including Pakistan.

Besides the Indian Ocean on the South, the country on the West have the Arabian Sea and on the East, the Bay of Bengal. A sprawling coastline of 7,562 kms with 13 major ports and over 100 minor ports, as many as 939-charted islands, spread over two seaboards, and indeed affords us to have a strategic maritime depth and flexibility. The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India is around two million sq kms. The strategic importance of the Indian Ocean today stems from the fact that three of world's oldest and busiest sea routes -- Gulf/Gulf of Aden, Malacca Straits, Cape of Good Hope/Gulf-Malacca Straits, Malacca Straits/Bay of Bengal, all lie in the IOR, providing international seaways for trade since the early years.

In view of the geo-political situation and the fast changing international scenario, the Navy has stepped up its modernization programme as never before and an array of ships of eastern and western origin besides indigenous one are to join the force in the next few years. This will not only increase the sea-control capabilities, but also the crucial sea-denial capability.

ACTIVITIES AROUND INDIA:

Before we discuss the Navy 's role in the Indian Ocean, it is better to see what the ocean offers. There are four basic characteristics of the sea. First, the sea is a major source of varied resources. Oil and fishing industries and their importance also comes to the mind. Fishing industry is so important that many disputes occured between nations, because fishing is the major source of income. Secondly, sea is a vital means of transportation and exchange. While transportation of people had been taken over by airways, that of goods is very much a sea-borne activity. Thirdly, the spread of ideas and information is often carried out over the seas, although this area is diminishing. And lastly the sea will always remain a theatre of dominition between countries.

Deep in the Indian Ocean lie Diego Garcia, a tiny island but one of the most powerful bases of America in the region. It was from here heavy bombers flew to target attacks during the Gulf War. In Indian Ocean, American, French and British ships were present during the Operation Enduring Freedom against the erstwhile Taliban regime in Afghanistan.

AIRCRAFT CARRIERS:

These are the best power projection platforms. At present, India has only one carrier INS Viraat, with the earlier Vikrant having been decommissioned nearly nine years ago. India is the only country to have an aircraft carrier in Asia, but there are reports to indicate that China and Pakistan are also contemplating acquiring these floating airfields. During the World War II, the Americans and the Japanese fought major naval battles -- the Battle of Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway. Both the sides have built their fleet around carriers. The two fleets never saw each other, were never close to 100 miles of each other. The issues were decided from the aircraft launches from each other's aircraft carriers. Such is the importance of aircraft carriers.

Realising the need of carriers and the fact that INS Viraat (she underwent a mid-life upgrade in 2001) would have to be decommissioned in another few years, Soviet-era carrier Gorshkov is being acquired, which is expected to arrive in India by 2008. This ship, which would be renamed INS Vikramaditya, is likely to be home-ported at INS Kadamba, the naval base at Karwar. An indigenous aircraft carrier is also being built at the Cochin Shipyard Ltd and she is expected to join the Western Fleet by 2012.

AMPHIBIOUS VESSELS:

Considering India's geography and the several islands that it has, the amphibious capability of the Navy is all set to get a major boost when USS Trenton, an Austin class LPD would be inducted by the early part of next year. This ship is to be renamed INS Jalashva. Besides this a Magar-class ship INS Shardul is expected to be commissioned later this month at Karwar. USS Trenton is a result of the Indo-US defence cooperation. Besides the ship, the Navy would also get US-origin 4H-53 helicopters. The 35-year-old ship is currently undergoing refit at Norfolk, Virginia. A vital element of sea-control, amphibious assault is very vital for today's operations. The famous Normandy landings are a classical example of such operations. Adding to the amphibious capability, the Indian Navy's Marcos (marine commandos) are said to be one of the best-trained commandos and their strength is being increased, according to WNC officials.

MODERNISATION PLAN:

In view of the emerging challenges, the Navy is currently implementing a modernisation plan and close to two dozen ships will be acquired two dozen ships will be added in the next three years or so. This include the Shivalik-class stealth frigates (Project 17) which are being built at the Mazagon Docks Ltd, which is one of the finest defence shipyards of Asia. Three Talwar-class ships have been commissioned recently and they are part of the formidable Western Fleet. These ships – INS Tabar, INS Talwar and INS Trishul were built in Russian shipyards, as part of Indo-Russian cooperation.
Project 15-alpha is another important project for the Indian Navy and three such ships which will be advanced version of the present three Delhi-class ships will be built at the same shipyard. These would be the futuristic versions of the Delhi-class destroyers – INS Delhi, INS Mysore and INS Mumbai. Ships of Project 17 and Project 15-alpha will start joining the fleet from 2007-2008 and will significantly enhance the reach and capability of the Western and Eastern fleets.

SUBMARINES:

The construction of Scorpene, which is part of an Indo-French agreement, is to commence this month at the Mazagaon Dock Ltd. In fact, the Centre has sanctioned a 30-year-long submarine building programme to enhance the sea-denial capabilities.

Submarines are the third dimension of the Indian Navy and the deadliest of all things.They play a crucial role in denying the use of sea to enemy thus giving one a control of sea. Submarines can take swift evasive action in both horizontal and vertical directions. They are potent strike platforms for anti-ship missiles and high-speed torpedoes. Countries like US, France and Russia operate run nuclear-powered submarines. India uses Kilo-class submnarines like INS Sindhushastra and INS Sindhuvir and HDW class like INS Sishumar. There is noofficial confirmation on the much-talked about Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV), a much-speculated proposed nuclear-powered submarine.

As far as the Scorpenes are concerned, WNC sources said wishing anonymity that six of these killer submarines would be rolled out between 2010-15. As part of the deal, the submarines will be armed with EADS SM39 Exocet sub-harpoon anti-ship missiles. The other powerful weapons payload on the subs includes Black Shark and other advanced torpedoes. With the capabilities to strike targets underwater, surface and on land, Scorpene have a radical new design with reduced sound emissions, which enables the submarines to strike at long distances without detection. The submarines have an operational cycle of 240 days a year and endurance to carry 50 days patrol to ensure maximum utilisation. They also offer advanced capabilities for mine warfare, intelligence gathering and special operations. Their acquisition would enable India to reopen its submarine building assembly lines. The maximum diving depth is 300m, giving the commander more tactical freedom than previously available on conventional submarines. There is no limit to the duration of dives at a maximum depth, other than the power systems and crew limitations. The structure of the submarine uses high yield stress-specific steel, which allows for as many dives to maximum depth as necessary.

NAVAL AVIATION:

It is another happening area for the Navy. First the fact is that along with Gorshkov, multi-role Russian-origin MiG 29Ks would also come. The life of the existing Sea-Harriers are also being increased so that when INS Viraat is decommissioned, these fighter jets could operate from Gorshkov and the indigenous carrier. The naval version of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) would also be ready by the time the indigenous carrier joins the fleet.

As far as helicopters are concerned, besides the conventional Chetaks, SeaKings and Kamovs, the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) will join in large numbers. Also with USS Tenton, US-origin helos will also be part of the fleet. As far as maritime reconnaissance is concerned, P3C Orions are something that the Navy is looking into besides some other competitors.

CONCLUSION:

Today, the naval superiority is very important of thecountry. Ships are not only instruments of war, but reflects the country's culture and is also a tool of maritime diplomacy. In termsof the importance of the seas and to have a mighty navy, the seacontrol is essential which the Indian Navy is boosting up.India has a rich heritage of being a maritime nation and its security and economic interests lie in the seas. With over a 100crore population, over 7,516 kms of coast line, 939 charted islands, over two million sq kms of Exclusive Economic Zone, India's power inthe South-East Asian region heavily depends on sea. Not only our ships carry out the defensive and offensiveroles to protect the nation, it also carries out diplomaticrelations with other navies of the world. Today the Indian Navy, isa blue-water three-dimensional force and is the seventh biggest in the world and the only in the Asian region to operate an aircraftcarrier. Our mix of ships, submarines and aircraft is unique in theworld, inspite of the fact that hardware of various origins are usedby us with maximum expertise and other nations and navies want to learn from our vast experience. A three-dimensional force essentially means that it is notnot only present on the surface (sea), but also in the air andunderwater. Apart from protecting the our vast seas, the navy is also used to aid international cooperation. In situations justshort of war, naval forces implement national policy or play therole of internationally-mandated security police.

ISOME NAVAL BASES/FACILITIES IN INDIA -- =======================================
Naval Headquarters - INS India (New Delhi)

Defence Shipyards - Kolkata - Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Cochin - Cochin Shipyard Limited Repair Dry Dock Goa - Goa Shipyard Ltd Mumbai - Mazagon Dock Limited

Western Naval Command (HQ in Mumbai)-----------------------------------

Dabolim - Goa Headquarters for Naval Aviation Karanja - Naval War College Seabird - Binaga Bay, Karwar Naval Base Under Construction INS Agnivahu - Colaba, Mumbai Headquarters Missile Boat NAS Hansa - Dabolim, Goa Naval Air Station INS Mandovi - Goa Officers Basic Training Institution INS Jeevanti - Goa Naval Hospital INS Valsura - Jamnagar, Gujarat Engineer Training Institution INS Tunir - Karanja, Mumbai Missile Prep Facility INS Jawarhalal Nehru Kerala Naval Academy (Future Site) INS Shivaji - Lonavala Training Institution INS Akshat- Lonavala Training Institution INS Vajrabahu - Mumbai Submarine facility INHS Aswini - Mumbai Naval Hospital (Comamnd Hospital)INS Angre - Mumbai, Western Naval Command HQ INS Hamla - Mumbai Training Facility INS Abhimanyu - Marine Mumbai Training Facility INS Dwarka Okha, Gujarat Naval Base Eastern Naval Command (HQ in Vishakapatnam) ---------------------------------------------- Calcutta - VLF Station Chennai - VLF Station Visakhapatnam [Vizag] Headquarters Submarines NAS Rajali - Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu Naval Air Station INS Netaji Subhash Calcutta Naval Facility INS Agrani Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Training Institution INS Garuda Kochi, Kerala Naval Aircraft Yard INS Chilka Orissa Basic training institution INS Kattabomman Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu VLF Station INS Virbahu Visakhapatnam [Vizag] Submarine facility INS Satavahana Visakhapatnam [Vizag] Submarine school INS Kalyani Visakhapatnam [Vizag] Naval Hospital INS Eksila Visakhapatnam [Vizag] Technical Facility Southern Naval Command (HQ at Cochin)- ------------------------------------- INS Venduruthy Cochin Training center INS Dronacharya Cochin Andaman & Nicobar Naval base - -----------------------------INS Kardip - Nicobar Advance Base INS Jarawa - Port Blair Support facility INHS Dhanvantari - Port Blair Naval Hospital SHIPS OF INDIAN NAVY: ====================== AIRCRAFT CARRIERS: -- (a) INS Viraat DESTROYERS: -- (a) Delhi-class - INS Delhi, INS Mumbai, INS Mysore (b) Rajput-class - INS Rajput, INS Rana, INS Ranvir, INS Ranjit FRIGATES: -- (a) Godavari-class - INS Ganga, INS Godavari and INS Gomati (b) Talwar-class - INS Talwar, INS Trishul, INS Tabar (c) Brahmaputra-class - INS Brahmaputra, INS Betwa (d) Giri-class - INS Himgiri, INS Dunagiri, INS Udaygiri, INS Taragiri, INS Vindhyagiri CORVETTES: -- (a) Khukri-Class - INS Khukri, INS Kuthar, INS Kirpan, INS Khanjar (b) Kora-class - INS Kora, INS Kirch, INS Kulish, INS Karmuk (c) Veer-class - INS Veer, INS Nirbhik, INS Nipat, INS Nishank, INS Nirghat, INS Vibhuti, INS Vipul, INS Vinash, INS Vidyut, INS Nashak, INS Prahar, INS Pralaya, INS Prabal (d) Durg-class - INS Sindhudurg (e) Abhay-class - INS Abhay, INS Ajay, INS Akshay, INS Agray OFFSHORE PATROL VESSELS: -- (a) Sukanya-class - INS Sukanya, INS Subhadra, INS Suvarna, INS Savitri, INS Sharada, INS Sujata MINESWEEPERS: -- (a) Pondicherry/Karwar-class - INS Pondicherry, INS Porbandar, INS Bedi, INS Bhavnagar, INS Allepey, INS Ratnagiri, INS Karwar, INS Cannonore, INS Cuddalore, INS Kakinada, INS Kozhikode, INS Konkan (b) Mahe-Class - INS Mahe, INS Malpe LANDING SHIPS: -- (a) Magar-Class (LST) - INS Magar, INS Gharial (b) Kumbhir-class (LST(M)) - INS Ghorpad, INS Shardul, INS Cheetah, INS Guldar, INS Mahish, INS Kumbhir TRAINING SHIPS: -- (a) Tir Class - INS Tir (b) Leander Class - INS Krishna (c) Sail Training Ships - INS Tarangini FLEET AUXILLIARIES: -- (a) Fleet Tankers - INS Jyoti, INS Aditya, INS Shakti (b) Submarine Depot Ship - INS Amba (c) Diving Support Ship - INS Nireekshak (d) Oceangoing Tugs- INS Matanga, INS Gaj SURVEY AND RESEARCH SHIPS: -- (a) Sagardhwani Class - INS Sagardhwani (b) Sandhayak Class - INS Sandhayak, INS Nirdeshak, INS Nirupak, INS Investigator, INS Jamuna, INS Sutlej, INS Darshak, INS Sarvekshak (c) Meen Class - INS Meen, INS Mithun, INS Makar, INS Mesh SUBMARINES OF INDIAN NAVY -- ===========================Vela class - INS Vela, INS Vagli Shishumar class - INS Shishumar, INS Shankush, INS Shalki, INS Shankul Sindhughosh class- - INS Sindhughosh, INS Sindhudhvaj, INS Sindhuraj, INS Sindhuvir, INS Sindhuratna, INS Sindhukesari, INS Sindhukirti, INS Sindhuvijay, INS Sindhurakshak, INS Sindhushastra AIRCRAFT/HELICOPTERS OF INDIAN NAVY: -- ===================================(a) Sea-Harriers (which operate from INS Viraat) (b) Dorniers (for surveillance)(c) Tu-142 (maritime reconnissance aircraft)(d) Illushin IL 38 (long-range maritime patrol)(e) Sea-King (commando and anti-submarine versions)(f) Kamov (Russian-origin twin-rotor aircraft) (g) Chetak

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

e-cigarettes

tarkarli-houseboats

raman raghav