Navy plans 1,10,000 crore budget for next 5 year plan: CNS

Mumbai, Dec 14 (UNI) Navy Chief Admiral Suresh Mehta, today said the Indian Navy will undertake major acquisitions and large scale indigenisation programmes of its assets amounting to Rs 1,10,000 crore in the next five year plan.

Interacting with reporters on his maiden visit as the CNS to the Western Fleet station- Kunjali II, Admiral Mehta said India has made its mark on the world stage and the Navy is also shifting gear from its traditional maritime duties to global diplomacy, peace and front exercises in accordance with the nation's growing status.

He said the Navy approximately receives around Rs 18,000 to 19,000 crore for its expenditure in the five year plans in its budget. Out of the total amount, 60 per cent is spent on capital expenditure and 40 per cent on revenue expenditure.

However, with India's growing economy and India rising international responsibilities, the Navy has earmarked a budget proposal of Rs 1,10,000 crore in the next five year plan, he said.

Describing the western fleet as the 'Sword Arm' and frontline command of the Indian Navy, he said the Navy has 136 ships at its disposal, while 33 ships are being indigeneously built in yards across the country and six submarines are also under construction at the Mazagaon dock.

In addition, the Navy will induct USS Trenton by mid next year and aircraft carrier Vikramaditya (formerly Admiral Gorshov) from Russia by 2008, which will help the Indian Navy in projecting its power and also help in large scale rescue interventions, he added.

The admiral said India has a 'No First use Policy' on the nuclear front. But in the event of a strike, the country should have a ''second-strike capability''. Plans are on the pipeline to induct and upgrade Naval aircraft and air defence systems for this purpose, he said.

The Navy is also installing and upgrading its combat and communication systems through Information Technology expertise available in the country. In addition, the Navy operates Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV).

Answering queries about the status of Sea King helicopters, he said fresh orders will soon be placed to upgrade the existing fleet.

Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL), which manufactur the choppers, is looking for features to benefit and satisfy the requirement of all the three services of defence, the Admiral said.

Admiral Mehta admitted that maritime survelliance of the high seas and coasts under India's area of concern will also be boosted with the upgradation and induction of new vessels and assets. At present, the Navy's area of operation begins from the coast of Africa to South East Asia going into the South China sea, he added.

Dismissing media reports of the Navy planning to open up stations in Madagascar and in Mauritus, he said the Navy operates in full harmony with countries situated in the Indian Ocean area and regular visits are also undertaken.

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