Indian Navy

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Indian Navy

Indian Navy crest

Active

1947Present

Country

India

Branch

Navy

Size

58,350 personnel List of active ships 181 aircraft

Part of

Ministry of Defence Indian Armed Forces

Headquarters

New Delhi

Motto NoVarunah

Transliteration: Sham

(May the Lord of the Oceans be auspicious unto us) Colors Anniversaries Engagements Navy Blue, White Navy Day: 4th December Portuguese-Indian War

Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 Bangladesh Liberation War Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 Decorations Indian Military Honour Awards

Commanders
Chief of Naval Staff Notable commanders Admiral S. M. Nanda Kanhoji Angre Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma

Insignia
Naval Ensign

Naval Ensign (2001-2004)

Naval Ensign (1950-2001)

Aircraft flown
Attack Electronic warfare Fighter Helicopter BAE Sea Harrier, Mikoyan MiG-29K HAL Dhruv, Kamov Ka-28, Kamov Ka31, Sea King Mk.42C, UH-3 Sea King Patrol Ilyushin Il-38, Tupolev Tu-142 BAE Sea Harrier Dornier Do 228

Reconnaissance

Dornier Do 228, IAI Heron, IAI Searcher Mk II

Trainer

HAL HJT-16, Harrier T-60

The Indian Navy (Devangar:

, Bhratya Nau Sen) is the naval branch of the armed

forces of India. The President of Indiaserves as the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), usually a four-star officer in the rank of Admiral, commands the Navy. In the 21st century The Indian Navy sees several principal roles for itself;

In conjunction with other armed forces of the union, act to deter or defeat any threats or aggression against the territory, people or maritime interests of India, both in war and peace;

Project influence in India's maritime area of interest, to further the nations political, economic and security objectives;

In cooperation with the Indian Coast Guard, ensure good order and stability in India's maritime zones of responsibility.

Provide maritime assistance (including disaster relief) in India's maritime neighbourhood. [1] To play a key role as part of 'a pluralistic security order' for a better world.[2]

Though the primary objective of the navy is to secure national maritime borders, India also uses its navy to enhance its international relationsthrough joint exercises, port visits and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief. In recent years, the Indian Navy has undergone considerable modernisation to replace ageing equipment currently in service, this is often seen as part of "India's drive" to become a fully fledged blue-water navy.[3] The 17th century Maratha warrior king Maharaja Shivaji Raje Bhosale is regarded as the Father of Indian Navy.
Contents
[hide]

1 History

o o o o o o

1.1 Early maritime history 1.2 Origins 1.3 Early 20th century 1.4 Independence to the 1960s 1.5 Late 20th century 1.6 21st century

2 Structure and organisation

o o

2.1 Commands 2.2 Bases

2.3 Ranks

3 The Indian Navy today

3.1 Ships

o o o

3.1.1 Aircraft carriers 3.1.2 Amphibious vessels 3.1.3 Destroyers and frigates 3.1.4 Submarines 3.1.5 Corvettes 3.1.6 Fleet tankers

3.2 Naval Air Arm 3.3 Marine Commando Force 3.4 Systems and sensors

4 Fleet reviews and naval exercises

o o o

4.1 Fleet reviews 4.2 International fleet reviews 4.3 Naval exercises

5 Exploration 6 Future of the Indian Navy

o o o

6.1 Long Term Force Objective 6.2 Modernization 6.3 Future orders

7 See also 8 References 9 External links

History
Main article: History of the Indian Navy

Early maritime history

Main article: Indian maritime history India has a maritime history dating back to 7,600 years.[4][5][6][7] The first tidal dock is estimated to have been built at Lothal around 2300 BCE during the Indus Valley Civilization, near the present day Mangrol harbour on the Gujarat coast.[8][9] The Rig Veda written around 1500 BCE, credits Varuna with knowledge of the ocean routes and describes naval expeditions. There is reference to the side wings of a vessel called Plava, which give stability to the ship under storm conditions. A compass, Matsya yantra, was used for navigation in the fourth and fifth century AD.

The earliest known reference to an organisation devoted to ships in ancient India is to the Mauryan Empire from the 4th century BCE. EmperorChandragupta Maurya's Prime Minister Kautilya's Arthashastra devotes a full chapter on the state department of waterways undernavadhyaksha (Sanskrit for Superintendent of ships) [3]. The term, nava dvipantaragamanam (Sanskrit for sailing to other lands by ships, i.e. Exploration) appears in this book in addition to appearing in the Buddhist text, Baudhayana Dharmasastra as the interpretation of the term,Samudrasamyanam.

Chola territories during Rajendra Chola I, c. 1030

Sea lanes between India and neighbouring lands were the usual form of trade for many centuries, and are responsible for the widespread influence of Indian Culture on other societies. Powerful navies included those of the Maurya, Satavahana, Gupta, Chola, Pandya, Vijayanagara, Kalinga, Mughaland Maratha empires.[10] T he Cholas excelled in foreign trade and maritime activity, extending their influence overseas to China and Southeast Asia. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Maratha and Kerala fleets were expanded, and became the most powerful Naval Forces in the subcontinent, defeating European Navies at various times (See the Battle of Colachel). The fleet review of the Maratha navy took place at the Ratnagiri fort in which the ships Gurabs, Galbat, Pal & small ships called as "Sangmeshwari" participated. The 'Pal' was a three masted fighter with guns peeping on the broadsides.[11] Kanhoji Angreand Kunjali Marakkar, the Naval chief of Saamoothiri, were two notable naval chiefs of the period.

Origins
Main article: Royal Indian Navy In 1612, the English East India Company established the Honourable East India Company's Marine to protect its merchant shipping off the Gulf of Cambayand up the Narmada and Tapti rivers. Its first fighting ships in India were acquired on 5 September 1612. This force evolved into Her Majesty's Indian Navy in 1830, while most of India was under British rule. The force at this time had British officers and Indian sailors. The Navy saw action in the First Opium War of

1840 and in the Second Anglo-Burmese War in 1852. During World War I, the force then known as the Royal Indian Marine undertook minesweeping, as well as supply and support operations for the Allies.

Early 20th century

Sub Lieutenant D. N. Mukherji was the first Indian to be granted a commission as an engineer officer in 1928. In 1934, the navy was renamed as the Royal Indian Navy (RIN). The onset of World War II led to an expansion in numbers of vessels and personnel. The navy was actively involved in operations during the war around the world. Its sloops HMIS Sutlej andHMIS Jumna played a key role in Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily.[12] It was heavily involved in operations around the Indian Ocean, including convoy escorts, mine-sweeping, supply, as well as supporting amphibious assaults. At the end of the war, the navy underwent rapid, large-scale demobilization of vessels and personnel. In 1946, Indian sailors started the Royal Indian Navy Mutiny, a rebellion on board ships and on shore establishments to protest discrimination against Indian officers and sailors by the British. A total of 78 ships, 20 shore establishments and 20,000 sailors were involved in the rebellion, which spread all over India. After the independence of India on 15 August 1947 and the ensuing partition, the RIN's depleted fleet of ships and remaining personnel were divided between the newly independent Union of India andDominion of Pakistan. When India became a republic on 26 January 1950, the Royal prefix was dropped and the name Indian Navy was officially adopted. The prefix on her ships was changed to Indian Naval Ship (INS).

Independence to the 1960s

Main article: 1961 Indian annexation of Goa During the early years following independence, the navy still had many British officers who continued to serve with the Indian Navy. Vice Admiral Ram Dass Katari was the first Indian to assume office as the Chief of Staff of the Indian Navy on 22 April 1958. The first engagement in action of the Indian Navy was against the Portuguese Navy during the liberation of Goa in 1961. Operation Vijay followed years of escalating tension due to Portuguese refusal to relinquish its colonies in India. On 21 November 1961, Portuguese troops fired on the passenger liner Sabarmati near Anjadip Island, killing one person and injuring another. During Operation Vijay, the Indian Navy supported troop landings and provided fire support. INS Delhi (1948) sank one Portuguese patrol boat, while frigates INS Betwa (1960) and INS Beas (1960) destroyed the Portuguese frigateNRP Afonso de Albuquerque.[13] The 1962 Sino-Indian War was largely fought over the Himalayas and the Navy had only a defensive role in the war.

Indian Naval activity in the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 largely involved coastal patrols. During the war, the Pakistani Navy attacked the Indian coastal city of Dwarka, although there were no military resources in the area. While this attack was insignificant,[14] India deployed naval resources to patrol the coast and deter further bombardment. Following these wars in the 1960s, India resolved to strengthen the profile and capabilities of its Armed Forces.

Late 20th century

Main article: Indo-Pakistani wars and conflicts

Aircraft carrier INS Vikrant (R11) played a crucial role in enforcing the naval blockade on East Pakistan and ensuring India's victory during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971

The dramatic change in the Indian Navy's capabilities and stance was emphatically demonstrated during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Under the command of Admiral Sardarilal Mathradas Nanda, the navy successfully enforced a naval blockade of West and East Pakistan.[15][16] Pakistan's lone long-range submarine PNS Ghazi was sunk following an attack by the destroyer INS Rajput (1942) off the coast of Visakhapatnam around midnight of 34 December 1971.[17][18][19][20][21] On 4 December, the Indian Navy successfully executed Operation Trident, a devastating attack on the Pakistan Naval Headquarters of Karachi that sank a minesweeper, a destroyer and an ammunition supply ship. The attack also irreparably damaged another destroyer and oil storage tanks at the Karachi port. This was followed by Operation Python on 8 December 1971, further deprecating the Pakistan Navy's capabilities. Indian frigate INS Khukri was sunk by the PNS Hangor (S131), while INS Kirpan (1959) was damaged on the west coast. In the Bay of Bengal, the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant (R11) was deployed to successfully enforce the naval blockade on East Pakistan. Sea Hawk and theAlizs aircraft from INS Vikrant sank numerous gunboats and Pakistani merchant marine ships.[22] To demonstrate its solidarity as an ally of Pakistan, theUnited States of America sent Task Force 74 centered around the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise into the Bay of Bengal. In retaliation, Soviet Navysubmarines trailed the American task force, which moved away from the Indian Ocean towards Southeast Asia to avert a confrontation.[23] In the end, the Indian naval blockade of Pakistan choked off the supply of reinforcements to the Pakistani forces,[24] which proved to be decisive in the overwhelming defeat of Pakistan.[25][26] Since playing a decisive role in the victory, the navy has been a deterrent force maintaining peace for India in a region of turmoil. In 1988, India launched Operation Cactus, to successfully thwart a coup d'tat by PLOTE in the Maldives.[27] Naval maritime reconnaissance aircraft detected the ship hijacked by PLOTE rebels. INS Godavari (F20) and Indian marine commandos recaptured the ship and arrested the rebels.[28]

During the 1999 Kargil War, the Western and Eastern fleets were deployed in the Northern Arabian Sea, as a part of Operation Talwar.[29] They safeguarded India's maritime assets from a potential Pakistani naval attack, as also detered Pakistan from attempting to block India's sea-trade routes.[30] The Indian Navy's aviators flew sorties and marine commandos fought alongside Indian Army personnel in the Himalayas.[31][32]

21st century
In the 21st century, the Indian Navy has played a vital role in maintaining peace for India on the maritime front, in spite of the state of ferment in its neighborhood.[33] It has been deployed for humanitarian relief in times of natural disasters and crises across the globe, as well as to keep India's maritime trade routes free and open. The Indian Navy was a part of the joint forces exercises, Operation Parakram, during the 20012002 India Pakistan standoff. More than a dozen warships were deployed to the northern Arabian Sea.[34] In 2001, the Indian Navy took over operations to secure the Strait of Malacca, to relieve US Navy resources for Operation Enduring Freedom.[35] Humanitarian operations

Indian Navy Commander examines a patient.

The navy has played a crucial role in providing humanitarian relief in times of natural disasters, including floods, cyclones and tsunamis. In the aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, the Indian Navy launched massive disaster relief operations to help affected Indian states as well as Maldives, Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Over 27 ships, dozens of helicopters, at least 6 fixed-wing aircraft and over 5000 personnel of the navy were deployed in relief operations.[36] These included Operation Madad in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Operation Sea Waves in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Operation Castor in Maldives, Operation Rainbow in Sri Lanka and Operation Gambhir in Indonesia.[37] This was one of the largest and fastest force mobilisations that the Indian Navy has undertaken. Indian naval rescue vessels and teams reached neighboring countries less than 12 hours from the time that the tsunami hit.[36][38] Lessons from the response led to decision to enhance amphibious force capbilities, including the acquisition of Landing Platform Docks such as the INS Jalashwa (L41), as well as smaller amphibious vessels.[39][40] During the 2006 Israel-Lebanon conflict, the Indian Navy launched Operation Sukoon to evacuate 2,286 Indian nationals and expatriates, besides 436 Sri Lankan and 69 Nepali citizens, from wartorn Lebanon.[41][42] In 2006, Indian naval doctors served for 102 days on board USNS Mercy to conduct about medical camps in Philippines, Bangladesh, Indonesia and East Timor.[43]

In 2007, Indian Navy supported relief operations for the survivors of Cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh.[44] In 2008, Indian Naval vessels were the first to launch international relief operations for victims ofCyclone Nargis in Myanmar.[45][46] Anti-piracy operations

INS Mysore on deployment in the Gulf of Aden to check piracy

In October 1999, a coordinated effort by the Indian Navy and the Indian Coast Guard led to the rescue of pirated Japanese cargo ship, MV Alondra Rainbow.[47] In 2008, the navy deployed INS Tabar (F44) and INS Mysore (D60) into the Gulf of Aden to combat piracy in Somalia.[48] Tabar prevented numerous piracy attempts,[49][50][51] and escorted hundreds of ships safely through the pirate-infested waters.[52][53][54] The navy also undertook anti-piracy patrols off Seychelles, upon that country's request.[55][56][57] In 2011, the navy launched Operation Island Watch to deter piracy attempts by Somali pirates off the Lakshadweep archipelago. This operation has had numerous successes in preventing pirate attacks.[58][59][60][61][62]

Structure and organisation

Indian Naval establishments.

The Indian Navy is divided into the following broad categories:

Administration Logistics and Material Training

Fleets Naval Aviation Submarines

Commands
The Indian Navy operates three Commands. Each Command is headed by a Flag Officer Commanding-inChief in the rank of Vice Admiral.

Commands

HQ Location

Current FOC-in-C

Western Naval Command Mumbai

Vice Admiral D K Joshi

Eastern Naval Command

Visakhapatnam Vice Admiral Anil Chopra

Southern Naval Command Kochi

Vice Admiral K N Sushil

Two of the three commands have a two-star commanded Fleet, the Eastern and Western Fleets, and each also has a Commodore Commanding Submarines. Southern Naval Command is home to Flag Officer Sea Training. Additionally, the Andaman and Nicobar Command at Port Blair under Vice Admiral D K Joshi is a joint command reporting to the Chief of Integrated Service Command (CISC) in New Delhi. TheAndaman and Nicobar Command, a joint Navy, Indian Army and Indian Air Force command was set up in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2001.[63] It was created to safeguard India's strategic interests in Southeast Asia and the Strait of Malacca.[64]

Bases

Indian Navy Tu-142 and IL-38SD stationed at Arakkonam Naval Air Station

In 2005, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Kadamba at Karwar, 100 km from Goa. This is the third operational naval base after Mumbai and Vishakapatnam and the first to be controlled exclusively by the Navy. (The other bases share port facilities with civilian shipping, but this one is for purely naval use.) Built under Phase I of the multi-billion dollar Project Seabird, it is the largest naval base in the region.[65] Asia's

largest Naval academy INS Zamorin, was inaugurated at Ezhimala, in January 2009 by the Prime Minister of India.[66] Another naval base is being planned for the eastern shores, near Vishakapatnam at a cost of US$350 million.[67] The base, which will be located fifty km south of Vishakapatnam in Rambilli Mandal, will have comprehensive anti-aircraft, anti-submarine and amphibious capability.[68] This east coast base expansion program is in direct response to Chinese PLA Navy activities in the region.[69] The Indian Navy is setting up a naval station in Madagascar,[70][71] to monitor and patrol the coast of Mozambique as well as the Southern Indian Ocean.[72] The Indian Navy also has berthing rights in Oman and Vietnam.[73]

Ranks
Commissioned officers The Commander of the Navy is the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS). Admiral Nirmal Kumar Verma, who was formerly the Eastern Naval Commander at Visakhapatnam, assumed responsibility in August 2009 as the head of the Navy from incumbent Admiral Sureesh Mehta, who retired from service.[74] While the provision for the rank of Admiral of the Fleet exists, it is primarily intended for major wartime use and honour. No officer of the Indian Navy has yet been conferred this rank. (Both the Armyand Air Force have had officers who have been conferred with the equivalent rank Field Marshals Sam Manekshaw and Cariappa of the Army and Marshal of the Indian Air Force (MIAF) Arjan Singh.)
Rank Insignia

Shoul der

Sleeve

Rank

Admiral of the Fleet

Admiral

Vice Admiral

Rear Admiral

Commo dore

Captain

Comman der

Lieutena nt Comman der

Lieutena nt

Sublieute nant

Enlisted personnel

Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) and Enlisted ranks

All-forces ranks Master Chief Petty Officer (1st Class) (JCO) Master Chief Petty Officer (2nd Class) (JCO) Chief Petty Officer (JCO) Petty Officer Leading Seaman Seaman I Seaman II Insignia

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by adding to it.

The Indian Navy today

Main article: List of active Indian Navy ships The names of all in service ships (and Naval Bases) of the Indian Navy are prefixed with the letters INS, designating Indian Naval Ship or Indian Navy Station. The fleet of the Indian Navy is a mixture of domestic built and foreign vessels. As of 2010 the Indian Navy has 58,350 personnel on active duty (including 7,000 Naval Aviation, 1,200 Marine commandos),[75][76] and 1,000 Sagar Prahari Balsoldiers,[77]

Ships
Aircraft carriers
The Indian Navy presently has one aircraft carrier in active service, the INS Viraat. The carrier is planned for decommissioning after the induction of the first domestically built Vikrant class aircraft carrier. The Indian Navy will also induct the Russian-built INS Vikramaditya, expected some time during 2012.[78]

Amphibious vessels
The Indian Navy has an Amphibious transport dock of the Austin class, re-christened as INS Jalashwa in Indian service. Besides, it also maintains a fleet of landing ship tanks and other landing craft. It is expected that four LPD amphibious assault ships are to be constructed along with eight landing craft vessels.[79]

Destroyers and frigates

The Indian Navy currently operates the Delhi and Rajput class guided-missile destroyers. The Delhi and Rajput class destroyers will be replaced by the next-generation Kolkata class (Project 15A destroyers). Seven vessels are expected to be commissioned starting in 2012. In 2011, the Indian government gave the go-ahead for an additional 4 Project 15B destroyers (upgraded Kolkata class Project 15A destroyers).

INS Shivalik the first indigenous stealth ship of the Indian navy.

The core frigate classes currently in service are the Shivalik class frigates, of which 2 are in service and 3 Talwar class frigates. The last vessel of the Shivalikclass (project 17) is undergoing sea trials and is expected to be commissioned some time in 2012. Furthermore seven Project 17A class frigates (improvedShivalik class project 17 frigates) are on order[80] and India recently closed a deal with Russia to construct three more Talwar class frigates. The first of which is expected to enter service in early 2013. The older Brahmaputra class and Godavari class frigates will systematically be replaced one by one as new ships are brought into service over the next decade. The last remaining Nilgiri class frigate (a variant of the British Leander class) is soon to be decommissioned as it is replaced by the last Shivalik class (project 17) frigate this year.

Submarines

INS Sindhurakshak (S63), a Sindhughoshclass submarine

Main article: List of submarines of the Indian Navy The Indian Navy operates a sizable fleet of Sindhughosh and Shishumar class submarines. India has started construction of six Scorpne class submarineswith MESMA, the submarines will have airindependent propulsion. These submarines will join the Indian Navy starting from the second half of 2015.[81] India issued a request for information for another six submarines in 2011.[82][83]

In 1988, India acquired an ex-Soviet Charlie class nuclear powered guided missile submarine with eight Ametist (SS-N-7 Starbright) anti-shipping missile launchers on a 3-year lease. In the Indian Navy, the vessel was commissioned as the INS Chakra, and the submarine was manned by an Indian crew. Upon expiration of the lease term in 1991, the submarine was returned to Russia and joined the Pacific Fleet of the Russian Navy.

CGI of INSArihant, India's first ballistic missile nuclear submarine.

India paid US$2 billion for the completion of two Akula-II class submarines which were 4060% completed.[84] Three hundred Indian Navy personnel were trained in Russia for the operation of these submarines. India has finalized a deal with Russia, in which at the end of the lease of these submarines, it has an option to buy them. The first submarine is named INS Chakra and was handed over to India on 23 January 2012.[85] India's indigenously designed and builtnuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines of the Arihant class are expected to be commissioned starting some time during 2012.[86] The lead vessel of the class, INS Arihant, was launched for sea-trials on 26 July 2009 in Visakhapatnam.[87] The Navy plans to have six SSBN's in service some time during the next few decades.[88]

Corvettes
The Indian Navy currently operates the Kora, Khukri, Veer and Abhay class corvettes.The nextgeneration Project 28 and Project 28A class of corvettes are expected to be commissioned, starting sometime during 2012. The Navy also plans to introduce stealthy trimaran vessels that can be modified according to mission requirements.

Fleet tankers
The Indian Navy currently operates five replenishment tankers and one has been launched. They are the Jyoti Class Tankers, INS Aditya (A59) and the newDeepak class fleet tankers. The Deepak class tankers will be the mainstay of the replenishment fleet until the 1st half of the 21st century. [89]

Naval Air Arm

Main article: Indian Naval Air Arm

MiG-29K of the Indian Navy.

The naval air-arm is an important component of the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy air arm consists of Sea Harrier jets that operate from the aircraft carrier INSViraat. The Kamov-31 provide the Airborne Early Warning cover for the fleet. In the anti-submarine role the Sea King, Ka-28 and the domestic built HAL Dhruvare used. The MARCOS use Sea King and HAL Dhruv helicopters while conducting operations. Reconnaissance operations are carried out by Tupolev 142,Ilyushin 38, Dornier Do 228 aircraft, as well as HAL Chetak helicopters. The Aircraft used for carrying out roles of a strategic bomber and as a maritime strike are carried out by 4(3 more on order) Tupolev Tu-22M, which is also capable of performing reconnaissance missions. The UAV arm consists of around 30 UAVs like Heron and Searcher-IIs that are operated from ships and shore for better surveillance. The Indian Navy also maintains a four aircraft aerobatic display team, the Sagar Pawan. The Sagar Pawan team will be replacing their present Kiran HJT-16 aircraft with the newly developed HJT-36 aircraft.[90] Following Indians purchase of the Soviet aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov (to be recommissioned as INS Vikramaditya) India purchased Russian built MiG-29Ks to operate from the aircraft carrier. The aircraft carrier is expected to become operational sometime after 2012.

Marine Commando Force

Indian Navy's marine commandos during an exercise in the Philippine Sea.

The Marine Commando Force (MCF), also known as MARCOS, is a special forces unit that was raised by the Indian Navy in 1987 for direct action, special reconnaissance, amphibious warfare and counterterrorism. In 1988, the MARCOS successfully rescued several hostages, including Maldives' then-Minister of Education, aboard a ship hijacked by PLOTE mercenaries during Operation Cactus. The MARCOS are

typically deployed to prevent infiltration through theJhelum and Wular Lake and are also involved in covert counter-terrorism operations in and around lakes and rivers in Jammu and Kashmir.[91][92] During the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, the MARCOS were also involved in the rescue mission of hostages captured by the terrorists in Taj Mahal Palace & Towerluxury hotel in Mumbai as part of a large terrorist attack in Mumbai metropolis in November 2008.[93]

Systems and sensors

Weapon systems Main article: Weapon systems of the Indian Navy

Brahmos supersonic cruise missile is becoming the primary anti-ship missile of the Indian Navy.

The Indian Navy uses modern technology and weapon systems, most of which are imported from foreign countries. Others, like the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, are jointly developed. There are reports on the joint development by India and Israel of the Barak 8 missile system, an improved, longer range version of the Barak 1 air defence missile which is operational on Indian Navy ships.[94] The Barak 1 is used on most of the main ships of the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy's nuclear deterrence capability is based on Sukanya class ships armed with the Dhanush ballistic missiles that has a range of 350 km. India has a number of foreign made cruise missile systems, including the Klub SS-N-27. It also has its own Nirbhay cruise missile systems under development. The Sagarika (Oceanic) submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM), which has a range of at least 700 km (some sources claim 1000 km) forms part of India's nuclear triad. Another successful programme has been the adaptation of the Yakhont anti-ship missile system into the BrahMos by the NPO and the DRDO. The BrahMos has been tailored to Indian needs and uses a large proportion of Indian-designed components and technology, including its fire control systems, transporter erector launchers, and its onboard navigational attack systems. The successful test of Brahmos from INS Rajput (D51)provides Indian Navy with precision land attack capability.[95] Electronic warfare and systems management

Fregat-MAE 3D Radar onboard the destroyer INS Delhi.

Sangraha is a joint electronic warfare programme of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy. The system comprises a family of electronic warfare suites, such as Ajanta and Ellora, for use on different naval platforms capable of intercepting, detecting, and classifying pulsed, carrier wave, pulse repetition frequency agile, frequency agile and chirp radars. The systems employ a modular approach facilitating deployment on various platforms like helicopters, vehicles, and small ships. Certain platforms, apart from ESM (electronic support measures), have ECM(electronic countermeasure) capabilities. Advanced technologies like multiple-beam phased array jammers are employed in the system for simultaneous handling of multiple threats.[96] The Indian Navy also relies on information technology to face the challenges of the 21st century. The Indian Navy is implementing a new strategy to move from a platform centric force to a network-centric force by linking all shore-based installations and ships via high-speed data networks and satellites.[97][98] This will help in increased operational awareness. The network is referred to as the Navy Enterprise Wide Network (NEWN). The Indian Navy has also provided training to all its personnel in Information Technology (IT) at the Naval Institute of Computer Applications (NICA) located in Mumbai. Information technology is also used to provide better training, like the usage of simulators and for better management of the force.[99]

Fleet reviews and naval exercises

Fleet reviews
The President of India is entitled to inspect his/her fleet, as he/she is the supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces. The first President's fleet review by India was hosted by Dr. Rajendra Prasadon 10 October 1953. President's reviews usually take place once in the President's term. In all, ten fleet reviews have taken place, including in February 2006, when former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam took the review.[100] The latest, on 20 December 2011, when President Pratibha Patil set sail in a warship INS Subhadra (P51) to take the 10th Fleet Review.[101]

International fleet reviews

The Indian Navy also conducted an International fleet review named Bridges of Friendship in February 2001 in Mumbai. Many ships of friendly Navies from all around the world participated, including two from the U.S. Navy.[102][103]

Naval exercises

Naval ships from five nations in formation during Malabar 2007, one of the largest joint naval drill by The United States Navy.[104]

India often conducts naval exercises with other friendly countries designed to increase naval interoperability and also to strengthen cooperative security relationship. Some such exercises take place annually like the Varuna with the French Navy, Konkan with the Royal Navy, Indra with Russian Navy, Malabarwith the U.S. Navy, Simbex[105] with the Republic of Singapore Navy and IBSAMAR[106] with the Brazil and South African navies.[107] The Indian Navy also conducted exercise with the People's Liberation Army Navy in 2003 and will send ships to the South China Sea to participate in the fleet review.[108] In 2007, the TROPEX (Theatre-level Readiness Operational Exercises) was held during which Indian Navy experimented the doctrine of influencing a land and air battle to support the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.[109] Apart from the Indian Ocean, India has steadily gained influence in the Pacific Ocean. In 2007, Indian Navy conducted naval exercise with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S Navy in the Pacific[110] and also signed an agreement with Japan in October 2008 for joint naval patrolling in the Asia-Pacific region.[111] India has also held naval exercise with Vietnam,[112] Philippines and New Zealand.[113] In 2007, India and South Korea decided to conduct annual naval exercise[114] and India participated in the South Korean international fleet review.[115] In addition, Indian Navy will also be increasing naval cooperation with other allies, particularly with Germany[116] and Arab states of the Persian Gulf including Kuwait, Oman,[117] Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.[118][119] India held the first Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS)[120] with an objective to provide a forum for all the littoral nations of the Indian Ocean to cooperate on mutually agreed areas for better security in the region.[121] The Indian Navy is increasingly used in international diplomacy.[122] Since 2000, the Indian naval ships have made port calls in Israel, Turkey, Egypt,Libya, Greece, Oman, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, Tonga, South Africa,[123] Kenya,[124] Qatar, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait[125] and other countries in 2005 2007. The first Atlantic Ocean deployment of the Indian Navy happened in 2009. During this deployment, the Indian Naval fleet will conduct exercise with the French, German, Russian and British Navies. [126]

Tropex 2010 is currently underway with the Western and Eastern fleets taking part along with elements from the airforce.[127] In 2010, Indian naval warships were deployed in the Asia pacific region, and conducted courtesy calls at friendly ports.[128] Recently,Indian Navy carried out a Joint Naval exercise with Sri Lanka Navy codenamed SLINEX-II from 19 to 24 September'11.The exercise was aimed at increasing the capabilities of the two nations in carrying out anti-pirate operations and exchanging professional knowledge.[129] MILAN Once in two years navies from the Indian Ocean region meet at the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the event is named as MILAN (Sanskrit: Get together).[130] MILAN included a passage exercise in 2010.[131]

Exploration

INS Tarangini is the only sail training ship in the Indian Navy and is an icon of India's rich maritime history.

The Indian Navy regularly conducts adventure expeditions. The sailing ship and training vessel INS Tarangini began circumnavigating the world on 23 January 2003, intending to foster good relations with various other nations; she returned to India in May of the following year after visiting 36 ports in 18 nations.[132]INS Tarangini returned to port, after a ten month long overseas voyage named Lokayan 07.[133] Lt. Cdr. M.S. Kohli led the Indian Navys first successful expedition to Mount Everest in 1965; the Navys ensign was again flown atop Everest on 19 May 2004 by a similar expedition. Another Navy team also successfully scaled Everest from the north face, the technically more challenging route.[134] The expedition was led by Cdr Satyabrata Dam, belonging to the elite submarine arm. Cdr. Dam is a mountaineer of international repute and has climbed many mountains including the Patagonias, the Alps among others. This team's record is unmatched by any other navy. The Navy was also the first to send a submariner to summit Everest.[135] An Indian Navy team comprising 11 members successfully completed an expedition to the Arctic pole. To prepare, they first travelled to Iceland, where they attempted to summit a peak.[136] The team next flew to eastern Greenland; in the Kulusuk and Angmassalik areas, they used Inuit boats to navigate the regions ice-choked fjords. They crossed northward across the Arctic Circle, reaching seventy degrees North on skis. The team scaled an unnamed peak of height 11,000 feet (3,400 m) and named it Indian Peak.[137]

The Indian Naval ensign first flew in Antarctica in 1981.[138] The Indian Navy succeeded in Mission Dakshin Dhruv 2006 by traversing to the South Pole on skis. With this historic expedition, they have set the record for being the first military team to have successfully completed a ski traverse to the Geographic South Pole.[139] Also, three of the ten member team the expedition leader Cdr. Satyabrata Dam, leading medical assistants Rakesh Kumar and Vikas Kumar are now amongst the few people in the world to have visited the two poles and summited Mt. Everest.[140][141] Indian Navy became the first organisation to reach the poles and Mt.Everest.[142] Cdr. Dilip Donde completed the first solo circumnavigation by an Indian citizen on 22 May 2010.[143][144]

Future of the Indian Navy

Long Term Force Objective
By the end of the 14th Plan (2027) India Navy expects to have over 150 ships and close to 500 aircraft and helicopters. In addition to the existing mission of securing both sea flanks in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian sea, the navy would be able to "respond to emergent situations far away from the main land". Marine assault capabilities will be beefed by setting up a new amphibious warfare facility at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.[145]

Modernization

The P-8 Poseidon will complement the Tu-142 ME in service.[146]

LCA Tejas

The Indian Navy is currently undergoing a 15 year modernization plan in an attempt to replace older in service equipment.[147]

In 2004, India bought the Russian aircraft carrier, Admiral Gorshkov for the equivalent of US$1.5 billion. It will cost an additional US$1.5 billion to refit, and is expected to join the Indian Navy in 2012 as INS Vikramaditya. A further US$700 million was spent on the purchase of 12 single-seat MiG-29K and four dual-seat MiG-29KUB fighters, six Kamov-31 attack and reconnaissance anti-submarine helicopters; also included are training facilities for pilots and technical staff, delivery of simulators and spare parts, and establishment and maintenance of Indian Navy facilities. Upgrades included the removing of missile silos from the carrier foredeck to make way for a 14.3-degree ski-jump.[148] The Mig-29's will be delivered to the Indian Navy in 2009.[149] In April 2007, India began construction of a 40,000 tonne Vikrant class aircraft carrier at a cost of US$800 million and scheduled to operate 30 aircraft, including Naval LCA,[150] MiG-29K, and Sea Harrier combat aircraft, as well as HAL Dhruv, Ka-31, and Sea King Mk.42 helicopters. Four turbine engines will power the ship. The carrier is being constructed by state-run Cochin Shipyard Limited.[151] and will be commissioned by 201213. Yantar, a plant in Kaliningrad, Russia, was awarded a US$1.56 billion contract to build three additional 1135.6 frigates. The increased price is due to more sophisticated armaments such as BrahMos cruise missiles. The Navy has government approval for an additional eight warships. The Indian Navy has signed a deal with Boeing to supply twelve P-8 Poseidon Anti Submarine Warfare/Maritime Surveillance Aircraft. The first aircraft will be delivered 4 years after the signing of the contract, that is 2012.[152] Also there are plans to induct four AEW&C aircraft that will be based on carriers.[153] An order has been placed for seven Project 17A class frigates.[154]

Future orders
The design of a 65,000 ton aircraft carrier called Indigenous Aircraft Carrier II (IAC-II)is currently underway and if ordered is expected to be delivered to the Navy by 2017.[155] After ordering six Scorpne submarines as part of Project 75, the Indian Navy is now on the look out for six next-generation submarines in a project worth over 50,000 crore (US$11 billion).[156] The RFP (request for proposal) for six MRMR aircraft with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities was issued on 11 July 2008. The contract is expected to be signed in 2011 and deliveries to begin by 2012/2013. The Navy is also planning to purchase more UAVs.[157] The Indian Navy has issued a tender for procurement of 16, multi-role naval helicopters to AgustaWestland, EADS and Sikorsky. The order is likely to grow to around 60 helicopters. The helicopters will be equipped with anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare equipment including missiles and torpedoes, and also be capable of being in-flight refueling. The type will operate from both naval vessels and land bases.[158]

In November 2011, India's Defence Acquisition Council was looking for induction of large amphibious ships which they refer to as Multi-Role Support Vessel. It's speculated that they accordingly issued an international RFP for up to 4 amphibious operation vessels (most probably LHDs) with significant capability to carry Helicopters and troops. First the Indigenous Shipyards were consulted but since they have no experience in developing such type of vessels and had no design to propose, Indian government expects candidates from foreign allies.[159][160] Bids have been floated for eight mine countermeasure vessels (MCMVs), to replace the Pondicherry class ocean minesweepers in service. Six of the craft will be produced at Goa shipyard under transfer of technology.[161] The aim is to have a total of three aircraft carriers in service, with two fully operational carriers and the third in refit. This aim will increase the overall effectiveness of the Indian Navy.[162] The long term plan was recently revealed by the Navy and shows a road-map to a blue-water navy with six aircraft carriers in service.[163]