32 ships to be added to Navy's fleet: Naval Chief

Visakhapatnam, Jan 9 (UNI) Chief of Naval Staff Sureesh Mehta today said 32 more ships and six submarines will be added to the Navy's existing fleet of 136 ships.

The naval chief said orders have been placed with various shipyards and a few ships would be built in Russia.

he also said that the time had come for the Navy to be equipped with a satellite surveillance system.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Mehta explained that the Navy's role was no longer restricted to international waters near the country and had developed enough to undertake operations nautical miles away.

He also revealed that the Navy would consider setting up an alternate operating base near Vizag.

The Navy had no dearth of talent and skilled manpower, he added.

UNI