Navy Chief’s critical review today; aviation arm too in focus

By OneIndia Defence Desk

Updated: Monday, May 25, 2015, 11:29 [IST]

Bengaluru, May 25: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R K Dhowan is all set to undertake critical operational and administrative review of Indian Navy today.

Naval spokesperson Capt D K Sharma told OneIndia that at the four-day Naval Commanders' Conference, set to be held in New Delhi from today, kick-starts against the backdrop of a series of successful and challenging operations undertaken by the Indian Navy in the recent past.

"The meet will provide a valuable opportunity to discuss issues of operational relevance, identify capability gaps and review future plans," says Capt Sharma.

Among the recent missions undertaken by the Indian Navy include Op Neer in Maldives (December 2014), Theatre Readiness Operational Level Exercise (TROPEX, Jan-Feb 2015), Op Rahat in Yemen (March, April 2015) and the joint operation with the Coast Guard to nab drug runners from Pakistan, off the Indian coast (April 15).

Interestingly the Commander's Conference is beginning on the day when the 37th Defence Secretary of India G Mohan Kumar takes charge in Delhi following the retirement of R K Mathur.

Capt Sharma said that the Commanders would also interact with senior Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials on matters related to infrastructure development and capability enhancement.

"Status of cases considered critical for bridging the capability gaps existing in the Indian Navy and also necessary for keeping up with the growth envisaged in the Maritime Capability Perspective Plan would be highlighted," says Capt Sharma.

The conference is expected to cover issues relating to operations, infrastructure and manpower, including operational readiness of the Commands and coastal

security.

"Strengthening the cyber security in the Indian Navy would be another key area of discussion," he adds.
With 2015 being observed as the ‘Year of the Sailor' in the Indian Navy, the Commanders are also expected to discuss the service conditions of sailors and their quality of life.

The meet also is being held at a time when the Narendra Modi government is expected to make formally make a announcement for the much-awaited implementation of the one-rank, one-pension (OROP), set to benefit over 25 lakh ex-servicemen.

Admiral Dhowan is also set to discuss in detail the consolidation and strengthening of the rapidly expanding aviation arm of the Navy.

With a series of new flying machines being inducted into the fold during the last couple of years, officials confirm that deliberations would be held on infrastructure and manning requirements for newly-inducted aircraft, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and enhancement of surveillance.

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