Blockading the Gwadar Port

Blockading the Gwadar Port

The Indian navy exploring new options to blockading the Chinese built Pakistani economic port in Gwadar, which is currently being in final phase of construction. Blocking the supply routes is the known strategic key to attain superiority in the conflict. In all the previous war Indian Navy provide better support to the Indian armed forces by blockading and destroying the Pakistani economic supply routes.

Pakistan shifts it's major shipping lane slight away from Karachi due to the Indian navy's superiority in the region. The Gwadar port is currently being in construction with the Chinese assistance to provide substantial shipping route to Pakistan. Gwadar port is closely guarded by the Pakistani navy, whose western naval command situated few meters away from the commercial port.

China is also assisting the port construction and laying fast lanes to access major Pakistani cities, The port expected to be operational before 2020. After that Pakistan use the Gwadar as main economical shipping port by reducing the Karachi port's economical activities.

Compared to Karachi, Gwadar is located far away from the Indian navy's missile range, that navy earlier had upper hand against the Pakistani navy's infrastructure in Karachi. Karachi is the first victim of many war that India and Pakistan fought earlier. Karachi is some 800 kilometers away from the Naval base in Mumbai, while the Gwadar is some 1200 kilometer away from Mumbai, which is very difficult to maintain full spectrum naval blockade.

Pakistan also gets some modern missiles for it's navy, The air launched C 802 AShM and the YJ 62 Coastal missile batteries. Those long range high subsonic sea skimming missiles are the major threat to the Indian navy, if IN tries for a naval blockade close to Karachi and in Gwadar. Those missiles had far strike range, reportedly over 300 kilometers.

So IN needs to keep away from some 500 kilometers off from Pakistani shores. Pakistani air force also operates one JF 17 squadron dedicated for maritime strike role, carrying two C 802 missiles per aircraft. PAF also in talks with the Russian's to supply one Su 35 S squadron to replace the older JF 17, since the JF 17 range is very small and its a single engine light aircraft.

Another is the Pakistani navy Agosta class submarines, The PN's Agosta 90B's are modern and capable to launch Exocet anti shipping cruise missiles. PN operates three modern Agosta 90B's. In comparison, Pakistan navy is the least equipped force in the Pakistani armed forces. The reason why they planning to add another eight modern S 20 SSK's from China.

So if IN wants to put a complete Naval blockade on  both Karachi and Gwadar, they must keep away some 500 km off from Pakistani shores. Since those AShM threats are usually in large scale. So navy can think about the Submarines alone.

The Navy's western fleet had better surface fleets, as well as submarines too. INS Vikramaditya is the flag ship of western naval command operates along with modern Kolkata class destroyers, Delhi class Destroyers and Talwar class frigates. It also had newly upgraded Kilo class submarines and modern Kalvari class submarines. Western command also had better ASW platforms like P8, Tu 142 and IL 38 SD's.

IN's fleet operates as a group only, as they performed the same since decades. All the above said warships had better destruction capability, however Barak 8 is the only better air defense systems in the fleet which is employed in the Kolkata class ships.

It's very hard to penetrate the IN's battle group with PN's Agosta's. Since IN operates few Submarines and ASW plane to hunt the Pakistani submarines in first wave of attack. Also new upgrades in the IN Ships with Towed array sonar and Mareech ASW system provide better cover for the fleet from PN's submarine threat.

As already said, IN needs to operate 500 km off from Pakistani shore, due to the AShM threat, also IN had no missiles that can strike such long range. So the only essential option is the MiG 29 K with Kh 31 AShM. Those MiG's can go close to some 100 km near Pakistani shores. Since Pakistan will not have any modern long range air defense missiles, Their JF 17 is short in legs, F 16 maybe busy to dealing with the IAF.

INS Vikramaditya can launch 20 MiG 29 K against the PN's surface targets. while keeping two to four for combat air patrol over the fleet. Vikramditya can capable to perform more than three such sorties per day. MiG 29 K is the only available option to blockade the Pakistani ports in future conflict.

IN desperately need Nirbhay missiles in it's fleet to perform cruise missile strike on Gwadar port, And it's clear when the Gwadar is operational, Navy too get long range cruise missile Nirbhay in its fleet. 

Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)

Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT)

INS Karmuk, an indigenously built Missile Corvette based at the Andaman and Nicobar Command, alongwith a Dornier Maritime Patrol Aircraft, are participating in the 22nd Indo-Thai Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT), scheduled from 19-27 Apr 16 in the Andaman Sea.

Maritime interaction between India and Thailand has been growing steadily with frequent port visits, participation in multilateral exercises and training exchanges. Under the broad ambit of this strong maritime relationship, the two navies have been carrying out CORPATs along the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) twice a year since 2005, with the aim of keeping this vital part of the Indian Ocean Region safe and secure for commercial shipping and international trade. 

The CORPAT has also strengthened understanding and interoperability between the navies and facilitated institution of measures to prevent unlawful activities at sea as well as conduct Search and Rescue (SAR) operations.

The 22nd edition of the CORPAT would include participation of one warship and one Maritime Patrol Aircraft from both sides with the Closing Ceremony being held at Port Blair, Headquarters Andaman and Nicobar Command (HQANC) from 25-27 Apr 16. The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command, Vice Admiral BK Verma, AVSM and Rear Admiral Warongkorn Osathanonda, Commander, Phangnga Naval Base, 3rd Naval Area Command, of the Royal Thailand Navy will be the Senior Officers at the Closing Ceremony.

India and Thailand have traditionally enjoyed a close and friendly relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years. The 22nd edition of CORPAT would bolster the already strong bilateral relationship between the two nations and contribute significantly to enhancing maritime security in the region.

- PIB

DRDO Plans maritime mission onboard C 295

DRDO Plans maritime mission onboard C 295

State firm DRDO plans to modify the C 295 military transport aircraft into a multi mission maritime aircraft to meet the requirement of Navy and Coast guards medium maritime patrol aircraft. The Navy plans to add new generation maritime patrol aircraft to boost the surveillance capabilities in Indian EEZ replacing the older Il 38 SD.

DRDO plans to integrate the existing maritime surveillance radar onboard the upcoming  C 295 Aircraft. Which TATA gets license from Air Bus to produce them in India. DRDO already successfully integrated the Airborne AESA radar onboard the Brazilian Embraer. Which is going to be inducted into the air force before the end of this year.

Navy already floated an RFI which focusing medium range patrol aircraft, where Lockheed's SC 130 and Swedish Swordfish responded. However state firm DRDO offers the state of art home made maritime surveillance radar. whose ground version already operational in various naval stations across India and friendly nations.

DRDO facilitates the C 295 MMMA into many roles, MMMA stands for Multi mission maritime aircraft. Which can perform

• Maritime and pollution surveillance
• Search and Rescue
• Cargo and Personnel transportation and
• Air Ambulance

The primary maritime surveillance can be achieved with the state of art airborne maritime radar, which can work along with the integrated coastal surveillance system for better surveillance and real time data transmission with friendly units. The Radar can perform search and track mission, who keep an eye on the targeted vessel. Also Classifies it's model and operator, identifying whether it's friendly or hostile, and provide communication support to friendlies in network denied zones.

With the support of satcom link, the C 295 can communicate with the base operating center and receive real time information from either base or friendly ships. The SATCOM link connected with existing navy's communication satellite INSAT.

Not only for Navy, Coast guard also keen to procure modern maritime patrol aircraft. with the same above capability. However it's highly unlikely Coast guard may receive the C 295 based MMMA. while Navy's primary requirement include underwater detection system for anti submarine warfare, which the C 295 MMMA can't.

As per Indian orders, Air force plans to induct more than 56 C 295. where initial 18 comes directly from Air bus plant, while all future numbers will be produced in India under TATA's plant. Air force already planning to induct a gunship version to provide close air support to the ground troops by adding 30mm cannon and missile launching racks.

C 295 recently spotted in HAL air port Bangalore. Suggesting that DRDO and HAL team exploring the options to build modified C 295 to suits Air force and Coast Guard requirements.  

There is a Maritime patrol aircraft available in the market based on the C 295,Navy's like Chile and Portugal already operating them. and it does have anti submarine capabilities too. The maritime variant of C 295 aka Persuader also had four outer hard points to launch anti shipping missiles.

Naval Commanders' to focus on Security Challenges in IOR

Naval Commanders' to focus on Security Challenges in IOR

A three day Naval Commanders’ Conference is scheduled to be held at New Delhi from 21 Apr 2016. The conference is being held in the wake of the very successful International Fleet review (IFR) held by the Navy at Visakhapatnam in Feb 2016, apart from a number of other notable operational activities such as the first Combined Commanders’ Conference on board Vikramaditya in Dec 15.

The Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan will chair the conference to review various aspects involving operations, acquisition of assets, personnel and logistics issues. The conference (spread over three days) will primarily focus on reviewing the combat readiness and operational preparedness of the Navy including coastal security, to address the dynamic security challenges in the IOR.

Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar would address and interact with the Naval Commanders on the opening day of the conference. The conference will also provide an opportunity to the Naval Commanders’ to interact with MoD officials wherein relevant issues to further military synergy will be discussed.

During the conference, Naval Commanders’ will review the timelines for capital inductions of the Navy in consonance with the ‘Make in India’ initiative which is aligned with the Indian Navy’s guiding principles of self-reliance and indigenization. 

The major infrastructure upgrades of the Navy with special emphasis on Aviation assets will also be reviewed. The Commanders shall also delve on various aspects of the Navy’s roadmap for the future such as the key technology enablers, improving logistics and the numerous initiatives to further strengthen cyber security in the Navy.

An important focus issue of the conference would also be to review the numerous measures taken to improve the service and living conditions of sailors and civilian personnel. The year 2016 has been earmarked as the ‘Year of the Civilian Personnel’ and accordingly, schemes to improve quality of life and service conditions within the Navy will be reviewed during the conference.

- Indian Navy

Vietnam expected to receive Brahmos missile

Vietnam expected to receive Brahmos missile

Vietnam Peoples Navy is the first foreign customer who expected to receive the world's lethal anti shipping cruise missile Brahmos. Sources confirmed that, the contract would be finalized before the end of this year.  Both Russia and India agrees to export the Missile to Vietnam who is a friendly nation to both Nations.

The same source also said that, Air launched version of Brahmos A already completed the ground trails. the airborne carriage trails commenced soon by following the final test launch scheduled by end of this year. The Brahmos A program almost delayed by more than a year, where DRDO and HAL said test launch may occur in end of 2015.    

Vietnam is the most pro Russian country who relies on Soviet and Russia for it's military needs, who also threatened by the Chinese with the disputed Island issue. Vietnam requesting the Brahmos missiles for it's front line naval ships, who currently using older Styx missile, Vietnam operates more than six Molniya class missile corvette's. Similar like Indian Navy's veer class missile corvette. Vietnam plans to replace those Styx missiles with Brahmos missile.

Sources said, Vietnam requesting the Brahmos since years, when the official talks started in early 2013, Later the talks actively progressed by both Indian and Russian officials. Since 51% of the missiles stakes under Indian custody, India needs to take the final decision. However India also willingly to share the Brahmos to Vietnam, after Vietnam given few of the oil fields to Indian state firm ONGC.

China protested the Vietnamese move of giving oil fields to India, saying "transferring rights in the disputed Island to foreign country make bigger problems". Refusing the Chinese threat, ONGC get the contract from Vietnam to explore the oil deposits. who already stated working on the fields.

India revamped it's relationship with Vietnam later 2000 only, However which creates stronger basement to counter Chinese threat. The relationship went another level in later years, as once the Indian foreign minister openly said that " Vietnam is one of the Pillar of India's act east Policy ".

The current government keen to expand the relationship into higher level  and hosted the Vietnamese Prime minister in India early 2014. During the meet Indian PM offered the Brahmos missile to Vietnam, also expressed deeper maritime relationship with Vietnamese Navy. In this field both navy's conduct regular port visits, Joint patrols and Naval exercise.

Indian Govt also allowed the navy to provide assistance and training to Vietnam navy to work with newly acquired Kilo class submarine from Russia. Also given $100 million credit line to buy new warships from India. India is in final talks to supply four large patrol vessel to Vietnamese navy. as Indian PM promised in earlier 2014.

Vietnam operates six modern kilo class submarines and few Russian frigates and missile corvette's. all those are modernized with newer Klub missiles. Vietnam also operates K 300 P Bastion coastal missile battery, The missile used in the K300 is the Oniks missile, predecessor of Brahmos missile.  

US looks Andaman for stronger Naval presence

US looks Andaman for stronger Naval presence

The US navy is currently looking for a stronger naval pretense in Indian Ocean with the help of Indian Navy, US looks for the Andaman naval base to carryout operations against Chinese increasing naval activity in Indian ocean as well as Bay of Bengal, where Indian navy short on legs to confront the Chinese violations in Indian waters.

US will support the Indians by providing real time imaginary of Chinese naval ship movements to Indian navy to confront. US may fly the modern MQ 4C BAMS along with the Indian navy P 8I for long endurance surveillance.  

India almost close to sign the military logistics supply agreement with the Americans, which can support each others military operations, also include humanitarian and disaster relief, with the logistics agreements US and India both works together to solve issues related to both nations. The modified LSA agreements specially focus the Chinese aggression near Indian borders.

After breaking the decade old ideology of non alignment, The new government taken better steps to counter the Chinese influence in Indian sub continent, which include revamping all stalled construction near Chinese border. where China forced the Indian government to freeze all construction works close to borders.

This include a bridge construction near Ladakh, more number of ITBP outpost construction, allowing US search and rescue team to search for the mortal remains of B 24 bomber crashed near Arunachal, these all plans are forced to freeze due to the Chinese influence. Even more China irked the Indian navy by sending warships and nuclear submarines inside Indian waters in Andaman. where Indian navy short on legs to confront the Chinese ships.

The new government taken some good steps, revamping all constructions close to border, establishing naval bases and re innovating the abandoned air fields close to the Chinese border, even more teaming with the US to counter Chinese influence.

US navy admirals once expressed about the interest of using Andaman islands to operate the Navy's MQ 4C Triton maritime surveillance drone. The same drone which is offered to Indian navy and still  on consideration. with the use of this base, US Navy can monitor the movement of Chinese ships and submarines in Indian ocean and Bay of Bengal through Malacca strait.

Malacca strait  is the narrow way which can be used by the Chinese to enter Indian waters, When war erupts between China and India, China try to  breach Indian waters through that way. To counter the Chinese navy India almost beefed up the security of Andaman, by deploying modern warships missile boats and patrol ships.

Even during the Exercise Malabar both nations stimulated ASW warfare using submarines and P 8I aircraft in bay of Bengal to Malacca strait, which irked the Chinese way too much. Not only that India finding all measures to counter China, with the south China sea issue in far other side, issues near LAC. All these makes China think twice before doing any misadventures against any nations nearby.

More than twenty of landing strips near to the Chinese borders established by the IAF is NATO standard, which means all NATO military aircraft's can operate from that air strips. Where China tries to pin down Indian air force by engaging with only ground troops. where the territories gives upper edge to the Chinese forces.

US look of Andaman is for only one mission, to work with the Indian navy to stop or confront the Chinese ships sailing repeatedly over Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal, where Indian navy short on legs to confront them, Indian Navy alone tried the same, due to lower number of ships and equipment Chinese ships easily bypass Indian warnings.

For temporary base deployment US and India must sign another military contract, what exactly is allowing US forces in India. the contract named EDCA. However India doesn't seems to sign. So US may provide clear picture of Chinese naval activity's near IOR if Indian navy asks.

Navy's good will visit to Sri Lanka

Navy's good will visit to Sri Lanka 

Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujata, along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Varuna, comprising the 1st Training Squadron, are scheduled to visit Colombo, Sri Lanka today and shall stay till 19 Apr 16 as part of their Overseas Deployment during Spring Term 16. The Senior Officer of the 1st Training Squadron, Captain SR Ayyar, would be embarked on board INS Tir.

India and Sri Lanka have a close, long-standing relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years. The people of India and Sri Lanka have close cultural bonds and a shared vision of a democratic and pluralistic society. 

Visits by IN and SLN ships to each other’s countries as well as bilateral exercises such as SLINEX provide opportunities for extensive operational and training engagements and contribute to the maintenance of good order at sea. The present deployment of the Training Squadron to Colombo would further cement the close relations between the two nations and the two navies.

The First Training Squadron forms part of Southern Naval Command (SNC) and comprises Indian Naval Ships Tir, Shardul, Sujata, ICGS Varuna and two Sail Training Ships Sudarshini and Tarangini, all of which have been built in India. 

The primary aim of the Squadron is to impart sea training to Naval and Coast Guard trainees, with a 24 weeks ab-initio sea training being imparted. All the trainees are trained in Seamanship, Navigation, Ship Handling, Boat Work, Technical aspects, etc. whilst being exposed to the rigours of life at sea, so as to earn their ‘sea legs’.

The Southern Naval Command (SNC) is the Training Command of the Indian Navy, which provides both basic and advanced training to officers and sailors of the Indian Navy. Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, AVSM, VSM is the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command.

The Indian Navy has also been providing training to personnel from friendly foreign countries for more than four decades, wherein more than 13,000 personnel from over 40 countries have been trained. The Indian Navy’s focused approach for providing high quality training by constantly adapting to evolving tactics and technologies, has gained it a reputation of being one of the finest training destinations.

- PIB

Kollam Fire, Quick response from armed forces

Kollam Fire, Quick response from armed forces

Indian tri services along with ICG and NDRF respond in very quick by assisting the injured victims who caught in the alleged fire caused by fire crackers kept to celebrate the temple function. The tri services dispatched service medics and para medic teams quick from the respected southern garrisons, Navy and Air force is the first respondent who assisted the injured peoples.

The Armed forces not only for war fighting, They are the only responsible associate who can handle any worst situations, not only in Kashmir, Uthrakand and Nepal this time military garrisons in south respond very quick by sending medical support to the injured victims.

Indian Navy who responded with car nicober class patrol vessel, and an OPV plus air wings such as naval Dhruv and Do 228. who carried medical equipment, field hospital equipment, along with doctors and para medical personnel. They were also heli dropped close to the ground zero to evacuate victim in the needy.

The fire which was caused by fire crackers burned the entire place more than three hours in the early  hours of Sunday. it even cracked some of the buildings roofs and destroyed nearby structures. which causes more injuries. The death toll increased due to the high degree celsius that the fire crackers usually emit.

So the injured persons need medical assistance from burn specialists and accident specialist doctors, many of the injured victims are the one who runs for cover during the tragedy. Most critically injured peoples taken to nearby Medical college hospital, Doctors who are all on leave also called in for emergency.

Air force also dispatched a team of Doctors who are specialists in burn injuries, who air lifted by An 32 from Arakonam Chennai, another airbase in Sulur also dispatched Mi 17 helicopters along with para medical teams, and medical supplies.

The Prime minister also alerted the NDRF team, along with voluntary doctors from Delhi, they were boarded into an IAF special mission flight Boeing BBJ. They were setuped field hospitals and assisted the state police in the search and rescue works.

within a matter of time, the military command worked so well and dispatched a good team to the ground zero, an impressive help from the Soldiers, which gives lives to many injured peoples. There is a need of Blood also, The ICG sailors and Navy personnel along with local citizens voluntarily provided enough blood  to the needy.

The situation is almost under control now, that no one failed to get proper medical or any other support from the State police or from the Indian armed forces. The ships who sailed from Kochin reached the kollam fishing harbor by early 3 pm with the medical supplies, So far the casualty figures are well controlled, and the injured victims also recovering well. 

It's once again an impressive quick response from the tri services for the national disaster, the Armed forces are all over India, they assist peoples in Southern corner to Northern, from western end to eastern fronts.

Carter in India, Key defense issues on the Table

Carter in India, Key defense issues on the Table

US defence secretary Ashton Carter and India’s defence minister Manohar Parrikar are scheduled to make a joint statement at South Block here on April 12, following the culmination of former’s three-day visit to India.

A senior functionary at the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) told dna that “the two will have something substantial to announce and which is why the joint statement in front of the Indian media and the US journalists traveling with Carter”.

Carter’s visit beginning April 10 coincides with India’s lookout for a technologically new set of fighter jets for its air force and two US companies , Boeing and Lockheed Martin pitching hard for it even as the government to government deal on the French Rafale jets is still stuck in negotiations. 

As dna, quoting sources reported earlier, the two US firms and the Swedish firm Saab have strongly presented their cases before the MoD which is looking beyond Rafale to cater to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) pressing requirement in the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) category. Pressing because the current strength of fighter squadrons in IAF is 33, instead of the desired 42 and serviceability of India’s front line fighters, the Russian Sukhoi 30s is around 55 per cent only and the ageing MiG 21 and MiG 27 fleets need replacement in near future.

Besides this, India told another functionary at South block, is bargaining hard to get what is called a ‘pre-bid guarantee’ from the US government on transfer of technology (TOT), if any US firm is allowed to enter into manufacturing fighters under ‘Make in India’.

The US, on the other hand, is pressing for three ‘foundational agreements’ - Communications and Information Security Memorandum of Agreement (CISMOA), Logistics Support Agreement (LSA) and Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) whereas India, so far has had its own doubts on them.

“There have been critical engagements among officials and defence industry representatives of both countries the past week in the run up to Carter’s visit”, said the functionary quoted above even as he kept short of confirming if India had made up its mind, at least on LSA, where it has shown interest of concurring with the US, albeit with some changes.

Carter departed from Washington on a two-week travel to Asia-Pacific region and then to the Middle East (West Asia in Indian context). His first stop will be Goa on Sunday where Parrikar will first show him around the famous Mangeshi temple. While he plans to visit a few churches too, on Monday, he will be hosted over lunch by Parrikar in the Admiral’s dining cabin on board the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier, the Russia made INS Vikramaditya off Karwar.

Following this, both the leaders will go to US 7th fleet ship USS Blue Ridge, which is also off Goa. “Both the INS Vikramaditya and USS Blue Ridge meetings will be part of hardcore official engagements ,” said an MoD official.

According to the US Department of Defence (DoD), Carter, on the eve of his India visit, told the Council on Foreign Relations at New York, he will meet prime minister Narendra Modi and Parrikar “to discuss a number of initiatives, including progress in aircraft carrier, jet fighter, and jet engine collaboration”.

He further said “he will talk about "exciting new projects" as well. “There is so much potential with India, he said, that the United States is "seizing every opportunity we can.".

- DNA India

Arihant is operational, Thank you Russia

Arihant is operational, Thank you Russia

Sources confirmed that Arihant completed all kind of sea and weapon trails as the K 4 successfully tested from INS Arihant, earlier last week ship spotters from Turkey saw the Russian submarine salvage vessel Epron transiting towards Russia, who was in Vizag for the past couple of months to help the Arihant in her trails.

The Arihant was developed completely with the help of Russians, and based on the older Russian Charlie class submarine, who comes with double hull to suppress the noise to make the ship more silent. Arihant's heart, the nuclear reactor is designed by the BARC, who get full support from the Russian to miniaturize it and fit inside the submarine. The Arihant's nuclear reactor is capable to generate 83 MW power, to propel and provide electricity to the Ship.

For pro long period of dive, one need unlimited propulsion, power supply and oxygen, it can be met only by the nuclear reactor who can produce unlimited power from the enriched uranium for more than ten years. the Arihant's range only capped by the shortage of food. Mostly the submarine can stay in the underwater for more than three months, without any small movements.

The Submarine converts the sea water into breathable oxygen with the help of electrolysis present in the sea water. meanwhile the scrubbers inside the submarine can inhale the carbon dioxide and other toxic gases buildup in the Submarine. Sailors can consume packed food and water for living.

The basics of the above two major systems in the Submarine along with hull design was supported by the Russian engineers, who was actively worked on the INS construction center in Viazg, major electronic systems and control systems are indigenously made with the help of Indian private companies.

The missiles and ejection systems are completely designed by the state run DRDO with the help from private owned L&T and public sector unit BDL. under the missile program, two missiles were developed one fat missile and another slim missile known as K 4 and K 15 respectively. both of them tested in various conditions and pontoon launchers before going to be inducted in the Arihant.

The Arihant has four launching tubes, each can launch three K 15 missile or single K 4 missile, SLBM's are also a critical technology to be developed, since the height of the missile need to be shortened below 12 meters to fit inside the Submarine for vertical launch.

The Russian  submarine salvage vessel Epron, was there in Vizag for the past seven months to assist the Arihant's trails, Epron is specially made for underwater special expedition mission, used to search and monitor underwater activity, who can also assist the Submarines in case of any emergency. Epron almost works similar like Submarine rescue vessel, who carries ROV and other systems.

After the final voyage of the INS Arihant trails, just a day ago it was successfully test fired the long range K 4 missile, whose range is 3500 km officially, Sources say the Arihant can be used as a test platform, while it's successor INS Aridman is going to be inducted into the Navy for deterrence patrol. who is twice the size of Arihant.

It's once again Thanks to Russia for the tremendous help to build the Nuclear submarine in our Nation.

Scan Eagle and Hermes front running to seal the UAV deal

Scan Eagle and Hermes front running to seal the UAV deal

It's once again the Indian armed forces gearing up to buy unmanned aerial systems for it's tri services, with the proposed value of more than $3 billions under make in India program, Two UAV's American Insitu Scan Eagle and the Israeli Hermes running front to seal the deal. It's reported that Air force may stick with the Israeli systems, Navy and Army will move on with American UAV.

The UAV saga running front since the desi UAV program failed to meet armed forces requirement, The government soon process the RFI to acquire more than three thousand of UAV systems and it's associated equipment's. The Army gets low numbers Navy and Airforce gets more number of UAV's.

Under this new program, the UAV's must capable to fly more than 20 hours with the operational altitude of some 15,000 feet. The Indian airforce who loves the Israeli systems to keep rely on the Hermes UAV's which capable to meet air force requirements. The Air force is known customer of Israeli UAV's, from Heron UAV to armed drone IAI Eitan which is currently in order.

Beginning of this April, Indian company's Adani Cooperation and Alpha systems signed a contract with Israeli Elbit systems who design and manufacture Hermes 450 and 900 UAV's, to manufacture the same in India under the make in India program.

The Hermes 450 is an medium altitude and long range UAV, can capable to stay in the air for more than 20 hours, the 450 can perform observation mission with the range of 300 kilometers, by flying at the altitude of 18,000 feet.

The Hermes 900 is same like the Hermes 450 with double range and endurance than the 450. Both required a runway for autonomous take off and landing. Where the air force keen to use those new generation UAV's to keep the Air force bases and vital installations always under the bird eye view. The Hermes valued some $2M for an UAV and associated ground control systems.

Unlike the Airforce, the Army and Navy has sort of runways, so they were looking for a assisted launching capable UAV. like the Army's Nishanth UAV. Boeing's Scan eagle developed with the help of Insitu is front running to seal the deal.

Boeing's scan eagle is one of the combat proven UAV that has been used in many countries, also certified for maritime operations too, the Scan eagle can be launched by any Naval warship with the small setup in the fantail. The catapult launch system can launch the Scan Eagle and can be  recovered by parachute assisted by dedicated GPS signal.

The Scan eagle capable to fly at the speed of 120 kilometers and stay in the altitude of more than 15,000 feet. The Scan eagle stay in the air for more than 24 hours. with an operational range of some 100 kilometers for effective control and communication.

The Scan eagle comes with modular payload of world's smaller Synthetic aperture radar, to provide high quality images and weather condition of the battlefield, which suits better for both land and maritime operations. A set of Scan eagle system consists of four UAV's, one launching system and a control station costs around $3.5 millions.

It's reported that India will soon to take decision of buying those UAV's to increase the surveillance of the armed forces with the high end technology. There were still another procurement left which is the battlefield UAV's for ground troops yet to be issued.

INS Vishal design phase close to complete

INS Vishal design phase close to complete

The Indian Navy's next generation aircraft carrier dubbed as INS Vishal's designing phase almost close to completion with few other decisions still on pending, the major subsystem in the carrier, that's the aircraft launching system and the length of the aircraft carrier is completed. Both US and India will soon finalize the propulsion system too.

The proposed design shows the aircraft carrier has an length of some 280 meters, with two EMAL launchers developed by the US major General Atomics, some also confirms the aircraft also features the advanced arresting gear made by the same GA. Those systems can capable to launch and arrest lighter aircraft like surveillance UAV to heavy fighter jets like F 35.

India also plans to buy the F 18 E/F and the F 18 G from another US major Boeing, who is currently in talks with Indian government to start a assembly line in India, to supply Indian air force, However details also emerged that the INS Vishal carries the F 35 C once the carrier is ready.

Those carriers are smart nowadays capable to launch small aircraft's like UAV's to heavy fighter jets and support planes like E 2D for airborne early warning. India earlier operated a assisted launching carrier INS Vikrant junior, who decommissioned in 1997. It's the second time that IN going to operate the assisted launching carriers.

INS Vishal comes with two launching points, to simultaneously launch two aircraft's, both can capable to launch aircraft's weighing from one ton to 32 tons. The F 35 C is one of the heaviest fighter can be operated from aircraft carrier whose MTOW reported close to 32 tons. The IN's current MiG 29 K's MTOW reported at some 24 tons. More weight means more power and weapon carrying capability.

EMLAS is the better replacement for current generation steam catapults operated by both US and French Navy's today. The EMAL has lower operating costs, require fewer people to operate, improve catapult performance and expand the range of manned and unmanned aircraft that the aircraft carrier can launch.

The INS Vishal almost close to the same length of current INS vikramaditya, both will have the length of some 280 meters. however performance wise the Vishal is far better than the vikramaditya. The INS Vishal might comes with the displacement of some 50-60,000 tonnages only. Since the EMAL requires less space and power.

By assumption the aircraft can carry some 40 aircraft's, which include two to four E 2D AEW planes, and additionally 10 to 12 ton helicopters like S 70 and EC 725, the capacity is almost similar to the current French carrier Charles de Gaulle. The specifications are more enough for the Indian Navy, to act as a force multiplier.

It's the propulsion system issue is the only problem yet to be sorted out, Once it was cleared US and India will select a Shipyard to start constructing the carrier. The actual progress behind the propulsion based on nuclear reactor unavailable so far to public release. It's believed the issue to be sorted out before the fall of 2016. 

L&T Developed tube launched AUV Adamya

L&T Developed tube launched AUV Adamya

Larsen and Tubro showcased it's autonomous underwater vehicle once again in the defense expo, which was front running in the Navy's tender to procure ten such tube launched AUV's. The Adamya AUV made by L&T capable to be launched from submarines 533mm torpedo tubes. Which having operational endurance of more than eight hours.

The Adamya AUV can be launched from submarine torpedo tube without having any further modifications in the submarine, it can also be launched from surface ships with simple launch and recovery systems comes with the Adamya AUV pack.

Adamya is five meters long heavy weight AUV is designed to perform underwater mission for so long time, L&T says the Adamya's underwater endurance is more than eight hours with the speed of some 4 knots. which can dive upto 1500 feet. with the operational payload of multiple systems can be customized by the user.

The AUV can undertake various missions which include, Hydrographic survey, underwater mine detection and countermeasure, Intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance mission, offshore survey, harbor security, clandestine monitoring, environmental monitoring and anti submarine operations. The payloads can be switched by respective missions. with the capacity of some 50 kilo grams.

In the front section of payload, it can carry a forward looking sonar, an underwater camera, CTD sensor ( Conductivity, Temperature and depth ), and a customized payload.  afterwards it comes with a large space for customized payload along with other connectivity solutions. This where most of the mission payloads can be kept.

 The vehicle controlled by a combination of Doppler velocity logger, Intertial navigation system and GPS. The AUV powered by a Lithium Polymer battery which can give enough power supply to the AUV to work upto eight hours at an nominal speed of some 4 knots. The AUV propelled by a contra rotating blades and two thrusters which is located in forward and end section.

The real time data can transmitted from the AUV using the on-board systems like RF Antenna, Wi fi and Acoustic modem, which can communicate easily to the mother ship or friendly warships close by. 

The Adamya AUV ready for productions and trails, which navy is yet to sanctioned by Ministry to buy the AUV from L&T. Every warships nowadays has such AUV's for multi mission. While Indian Navy yet to acquire.

The video representation of the Adamya AUV

INS Beas visits Doha, Qatar

INS Beas visits Doha, Qatar

Indian Naval ship Beas is on an official visit to Doha, Qatar from today onwards till 02 Apr 16 to participate in the fifth edition of Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition (DIMDEX).

DIMDEX is held biennially at Doha and provides an ideal platform for showcasing our indigenous shipbuilding capability and technological prowess as well as innovation in Naval systems. INS Beas, an indigenous Brahmaputra Class frigate commissioned on 11 Jul 05 will represent the Indian Navy at DIMDEX 16.

 Built by our Defence shipyard (DPSU), M/s Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited, at Kolkata, the ship is a modern anti-submarine warfare frigate equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors. The ship represents a unique amalgamation of Western and Eastern origin as well as indigenous equipment and leverages innovation to provide a potent mix of surface, anti-air and anti-missile as well as anti-submarine capabilities.

During the visit, the ship will have professional interactions with the Qatar Emiri Navy. The visit will also afford an opportunity to interact with other participating warships from various countries. These interactions will contribute towards strengthening ties, enhancing mutual understanding and building ‘Bridges of Friendship’. The ship is Commanded by Captain Deepak Bhatia, who is a Navigation and Operations specialist.

The Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Western Naval Command, Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, will also visit Doha during the period of the ship’s stay. During the visit, the Flag Officer will also address the Middle East Naval Commanders’ Conference (MENC).

The visit by INS Beas to Doha for DIMDEX 16 will serve to showcase Indian indigenous shipbuilding capability and maritime prowess, enhance maritime ties with Qatar as well as other participating countries. 

- PIB 

Barracuda to Mistral DCNS show in DEF EXPO

Barracuda to Mistral DCNS show in DEF EXPO

French naval giant DCNS offers variety of naval systems in the defense exhibition held in Goa. The systems include next generation Barracuda submarine, Mistral helicopter carrier and evolved aircraft carrier model, the showcased models are all already front running in many naval tenders, which include the Scorpene submarine.

As expected earlier, The french formally offering the Barracuda submarine for the Indian navy's P 75I program. DCNS is front running in the Australian collins class replacement program, who also offering the same variant to Indian P 75I. which capable to launch cruise missile from vertical tubes and also capable to deliver marine commandos and capable to operate unmanned underwater vehicle's.

Barracuda is the French nuclear submarine, who is in construction as of now, French Navy plans to receive the first Barracuda by next year. They also modded the submarine by replacing the nuclear reactor and making it an conventional submarine. whose projected displacement is more than 4000 tons.  The conventional variant called as shortfin Barracuda Block 1A.

France also showcasing the model of Mistral helicopter landing ship in the expo. who offered the Mistral many times before, Where govt yet to announce the winner of the project. Mistral along with Juan Carlos leading the project. The Mistral was once studied by Indian navy, However they rejected the model due to the podded propulsion system.

DCNS joined with Reliance's Pipavav shipyard to build those LHD's in Indian shipyard, to accelerate the construction govt announced in the RFI, that two shipyards will be selected to build those ships. DCNS announced that they will ready to redesign the ship as Indian Navy wanted.

French also displays the evolved air craft carrier model in the Def Expo, with the operating capacity of some 40 aircraft's. However sources say the proposed aircraft is conventionally powered, with assisted launching. Indian navy in talks with the Americans to build the next gen aircraft carrier. France and Russia also proposes their interest in building one for India. However It's highly unlikely India won't look on other models.

DCNS also showcasing the lightweight MU 90 torpedo, which can be launched from warships and helicopters assigned for ASW mission. The MU 90 jointly developed by french and Italian company, which is already being used by many nations.

Indian navy also looking for Torpedo's for both surface and submerged launched platforms, The MU 90 is one of best available system, however Indian Varunastra torpedo also evolving as a best system, Varunastra also offering Helicopter launched, Sub launched and Ship launched version, However the torpedo programs are kept as secret, where more details are not available in open media. 

DRDO to Hand Over Sonar Dome to Defence Minister

DRDO to Hand Over Sonar Dome to Defence Minister

Goa will have its own proud moments during the prestigious Defexpo being held at Quitol, Goa apart from hosting the mega event first time outside Delhi.

A huge bow mounted Sonar Dome designed & developed by Research & Development Establishment (Engineers) [R&DE(E)], a DRDO laboratory based in Pune is going to be flagged off by Defence Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar, Secretary Department of Defence (R&D) & DG DRDO Dr. S. Christopher will also be present on this important occasion. The ceremony will be held at Defexpo site in Goa on March 29, 2016. The Sonar dome will be delivered to Mazgaon Docks, Mumbai.

The Sonar Dome, a first of its kind in the country has been manufactured by a composites manufacturing company in India. This is a huge contribution by Indian Industry to the ‘Make in India’ movement. Only a couple of companies worldwide have the capability of realising such structures.

All anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships have a sonar array fitted to the ship structure below the waterline. The sonar functions as the ship’s underwater eyes and ears. The sonar dome is a structure fitted over the sonar array so that its electronics and sensors are not exposed to surrounding hostile environment. The sonar dome has to be structurally sound as well as acoustically transparent.

R&DE(E), DRDO, Pune has successfully developed process technologies to realise large composite structures that can be used in Naval ships & submarines. The Laboratory has also developed technologies related Integral Composite Armour that can be used in Combat Vehicles. The Laboratory is also significantly contributing in development of aerospace structures. NPOL, a DRDO Laboratory at Kochi played a significant role in development of the Sonar Dome.

It is prudent to mention that Composite Material Technologies relevant to Indigenously developed Missiles have already been well established.

DRDO is also fielding Live Demonstration of number of Systems with Cutting Edge Technologies for the first time in Defexpo.

SONAR from DRDO

Sonar dome is a protective cover to sonar equipment of surface war ships. The dome is designed to house sonar array, and to maximize the performance of the array by reducing the effects of noise of water turbulence and protecting the array from wave slamming, minor collisions etc. In the design of sonar dome, both structural and acoustic considerations come into play.

Typical structural constraints may include the deformation of the structure under steady external flow, accelerations, slamming loads and shock loads. From an acoustic stand point of view, the goal is to maximize the fidelity of incoming sound by ensuring that the self-noise and flow induced noise can be inherently minimized. 

The current sonar domes in advanced composites bring additional benefits for strength and acoustic performance, extending the ability of the vessel to locate, evade and engage hostile environments. The sonar dome is mounted at the bow of the ship.

R&DE(E) has developed design, analysis and manufacturing capabilities of composite sonar domes. A typical dome consists of stiffeners, acoustic window area (acoustically transparent region), baffle plate, and flange with gasket for water tight connection of the dome to ship. Acoustic window area is a composite-rubber sandwich construction. Lifting hooks are provided for handling dome during handling and fitting.

R&DE(E) has established two manufacturing processes, Vacuum Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) and Resin Film Infusion (RFI) for realization of large composite structures. Either of them can be used for realization of composite sonar dome. Both the processes require mold for realization of a structure. Since RFI is a high temperature curing process, it requires oven for curing or a heating system embedded in the mold. Whereas, VARTM can be a room temperature curing process, hence may not require any oven or heating system for curing.

To realize sonar dome, male or female mold may be used depending on factors like dimensional accuracy, surface finish, ease of lay-up, demolding etc. Type of mould shall be chosen depending on the merits and demerits of the process and finished product requirements.

In VARTM process, vacuum and resin points are provided for creating vacuum and sending resin into dry fabric, respectively. These points are decided based on guidelines obtained from process modeling and flow simulation studies. In VARTM process, resin is sucked under vacuum and it flows into the dry fabric until it is saturated with resin.

To monitor resin flow online in complex regions, a process monitoring system is also available which can be deployed wherever necessary. After resin infusion, job is allowed to cure at room temperature for 24 hr then the job is demolded. Thus the complete design to manufacturing know-how of composite sonar dome is available with R&DE(E) and can be transferred to interested industry partner for commercial use.

This technology is ready for ToT to Indian Industry for supply of domes to Indian Navy/ Indian Armed Forces/ Other Govt. Agencies only.

Pakistani claim of RAW agent Capture

Pakistan claimed RAW agent arrest

   Pakistani sources claimed that a man was arrested last day in Baluchistan is an Indian agent, who working on clandestine operation against the Pakistani forces in occupied Baluchistan. Indian side confirmed that he was an Ex Naval officer who was on premature retirement, But never said anything about his involvement in Indian premier intelligence agency RAW. 

Pakistan get a chance to cry on the international media, about Indian activity in occupied Baluchistan, that India working on clandestine operation against Pakistan to liberate Baluchistan from Pakistan. Pakistani officials reported in the media, the suspected Indian arrested in southern Baluchistan, where Pakistani army carrying out genocide operation against it's own Peoples in the name of killing terrorists.

As a neutral point of view, that anyone can easily claim, if a foreign national captured inside a conflict zone, his identity in armed forces is also a strong evidence that he is doing sabotage operations against the enemy. Here also the Indian naval officer trapped, and caught inside the conflict zone.

One more, when agents doing works inside enemy territory they usually carries multiple passports and identity cards. Also he had no fire arms and other equipment, Usually agents are highly trained to escape in any tough scenario's, so they must have a pistol or an knife, Pakistan failed to show any proof of fire arms or any weapons from the officers pocket.

Pakistan crying since years, that Indian and Afghan intelligence working closely to carryout clandestine operation against the Pakistan army, They also assisting the militia group named Balouch Republic army. However they have no proper evidences to claim their words. This is the only option to cover their faces.

India formally replied to the Pakistani claiming of arresting the Navy officer, The said individual has no link with government since his premature retirement from Indian Navy. We have sought consular access to him. India has no interest in interfering in internal matters of any country and firmly believes that a stable and peaceful Pakistan is in the interest of all in the region," the Ministry of External Affairs said.

Sources confirmed that, The officer's surname is Mr.Yadav who is a ex commander of Indian Navy. He get premature retirement from the Navy, and he has no more connection to the government works. 

Pakistani media claimed that the alleged Indian officer moved to Islam-a-bad for further investigation, they also claimed they recovered some maps of strategic zones in Pakistan. 

Some other propaganda peoples works on full swing to claim that he is an Indian Agent, the Agent worked under the code name of Hussein Mubarak Patel, the name also in the Passport says Hussein, who is deployed in Iranian Chabar port, that India currently working on to establish a major Port for economics. 

They also reported that the officer was showing his identity as a Indian and having the Iranian visa stamp, that he might infiltrate into Pakistan from Iranian border. however it's not confirmed so far by the officials. 

Navy bids farewell to Sea Harrier jump jets after 33 yrs

Navy bids farewell to Sea Harrier jump jets after 33 yrs

They were always a sight to behold, a force to reckon with. Fighters landing vertically, akin to helicopters, with ear-splitting roars on a moving airfield despite being fixed-wing. It left even the usually phlegmatic Manmohan Singh slightly nonplussed during the "PM's day at sea" in 2006. Similar was the case of other politicians, before and after him, like A B Vajpayee and L K Advani.

But the old must give way to the new. Ahead of the 56-year-old aircraft carrier INS Viraat's retirement later this year, the Navy has bid adieu to its eyeball-grabbing Sea Harrier "jump jets" after 33 years of yeomen service.

The force, after all, now has its first supersonic fighters in 30 MiG-29Ks - out of the 45 contracted from Russia for over $2 billion - for INS Vikramaditya and the under-construction indigenous carrier INS Vikrant.

Navy inducted 30 of the British-origin Sea Harriers from 1983 onwards, but only 11 "air frames" are left now due to old age, lack of spares and cannibalisation as well as accidents over the years. "They have flown their last. The six Sea Harriers on board INS Viraat, which has returned to Mumbai from her final operational journey to the International Fleet Review last month, disembarked from the carrier on March 6," said an officer.

The 11 Sea Harriers are now been mothballed at naval air station INS Hansa in Goa before being distributed as museum pieces to different establishments. "Their pilots are going for career advancement courses or MiG-29K conversion training," he said.

Interestingly, Sea Harriers were part of INAS 300 (Indian naval air squadron 300) nicknamed the 'White Tigers'. And much like the feline genetic oddity, a Sea Harrier stood apart, capable as it was of VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) operations.

"Harriers were certainly unconventional in their vertical landing, even though they usually took-off from the angled ski-jump on INS Viraat. With time, their production was stopped in the UK. The British Royal Navy also retired its Sea Harriers in 2006," said another officer.

The White Tigers squadron will now hibernate till it's re-commissioned with MiG-29Ks for INS Vikrant, which is slated to be ready by 2018-19. Incidentally, INS Vikramaditya's MiG-29K squadron INAS 303 is christened 'Black Panthers'.

Though the Sea Harriers had an operational speed of 640 knots or 1,186 kmph, with a range of around 800 nautical miles, they fell short of exceeding the speed of sound at Mach 1 or 1,235 kmph. They did undergo a "limited upgrade" some years ago, including being fitted with Israeli Elta EL/M-2032 multi-mode fire control radars and 'Derby' beyond visual range air-to-air missiles, but have outlived their utility. "MiG-29Ks give us a four-fold capability jump over Sea Harriers," an officer said.

- Rajat Pandit Time of India

Security review of Lakshadweep island by Indian Navy

Security review of Lakshadweep island by Indian Navy

Indian navy officials revived security situation of the Lakshadweep islands, the Island archipelago consists of several islands and atoll. In Lakshadweep archipelago only a few islands open for public, while most of them kept under the control of Indian Navy. The Island chain also have a small aerodrome to operate small turboprop planes like Do 228.

Lakshadweep comes under  the command of Southern naval command headquarters at Kochi. The Lakshadweep was given by the Maldives in late 1956 to India, with the security assurance of providing support to the Maldives. India kept Lakshadweep as a union territory and gives up major parts of the Island to Indian Navy.

INS Dweeprakshak is converted into a full-fledged naval base depot in 2012. The base will help the Indian naval ships by supplying fuel and food to increase the range of ships operating far from the Indian mainland. the base is situated in Kavaratti island, which is 300 kilometers off from the Indian mainland.

Navy also operates three naval detachments in Lakshadweep island, located in Minicoy, Kavaratti and Androth Islands. Bitra is the another island who recently given to the Navy to develop fourth detachment in Lakshadweep.

In a boost to maritime surveillance and reconnaissance, Navy installed a set of surveillance and reconnaissance radar in Lakshadweep islands. currently, six radars under operational who act as a naval outpost can monitor all maritime activities across the Arabian sea region.





Those Island chains are important to ensuring the security of the region from pirates and foreign naval activities. Lakshadweep act as a vital outpost to counter the Somali pirates threat. The outpost also assists the international economic shipping through the Arabian sea to Gulf of Aden and Oman.

Navy also plans to increase the Naval base's capability by converting the INS Dweeprakshak into a full-fledged naval base. However, the plans are yet to be cleared due to the issues in the environmental protection on the Island.

 However, there are no security concerns in the Island since it's far away from regional threats like China and Pakistan. The only possible threat is the pirates from foreign nations. Indian navy performed well against the pirates and make the shipping lane more safe and secure.

The Airstrip in the island located in the Agatti island. The airstrip having  the runway length of 3900 feet. which can capable of operating small aircraft's like Do 228 and passenger airliners like ATR 72 turboprops. Navy has no plans to operate much higher platform like Tu 142'S from this airstrip.

Indian Navy's DSRV Contract

Indian Navy's DSRV Contract

After fifteen years of wait, Indian navy finally all sets to receive the much-needed submarine rescue vehicles in a 2000 cr contract with the England firm James fisher defense. The company who already supplied the DSAR 500 to several other Navy's which include South Korean and Singapore Navy.

The DSRV- Deep submergence rescue vehicles are specially designed to associate with a submarine rescue. these systems are lesser in weight, which can be air transportable. the DSAR 500 is some 24 tons of weight, which can be transported by IAF's C 17 for emergency missions. India has huge sea lanes, transporting via sea is not a viable option during emergencies.

The DSRV comes with two main propulsion and four primary propulsion for deep dive missions. The DSRV can dive up to some 1800 feet. with the diving speed of some 3 knots per hour, usually, the DSRV can dive it's maximum depth within ten minutes. This due to the pressure in waters.

It works continuously for 10 hours, in the emergency like situation it can work more than three days without any external support. In one dive the DSRV can rescue 16 sailors.

The DSRV operates by its own using modern sensor suites to search the submarine in underwater, It also records each and every moments of operations and transfers the same with the mother ship.

Indian Navy is one of the fifth largest Navy in the world, however, 11th when comes to submerged naval assets. Indian navy operates a very low number of submarines, that is only 13 of them, nations like Japan and South Korea operates more submarines than India, and they are modern too. India also plans to increase the number of submarines from the P 75 and P 75 I program.

Navy's who operates Submarines, should equip with proper submarine rescue boats, in a case of any accidents in the Submarine, and also, assist the submarine during development trails by checking its performance. However Indian navy has no such submarine assisting vehicles so far.




In the case of emergency, the sailors in the submarine can escape using the pressurized escape suits, it's limited due to the depth of the submarine, most probably it can be used only when submarine in the shallow waters.

Indian Navy operates a diving support vessel INS Nireekshak, which can assist submarine rescues and marine diving supports, This too limited, the equipment's in the vessel can capable of operating up to 500 feet only. Normally most diesel submarines can dive more than 1200 feet.

India signed a contract with Americans for submarine rescue, that US Navy submarine rescue sailors can assist Indian navy in case of any emergencies when operating a submarine. the US navy will start the rescue service within 72 hours after receiving the distress signal. Indian Navy and US navy simulated this agreement in early 2012, however, the current status of the agreement is unknown, either it's still on effective or expired.

There few more such auxiliary vessel's are under quest by the Navy, one is the Special force delivery vehicle and the midget submarine