INDIAN NAVY Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Lokmarg

INS Vishakhapatnam Responds To Distress Call From Merchant Vessel In Gulf Of Aden

By LokMarg 27th January 2024

Indian Navy’s guided missile destroyer INS Visakhapatnam deployed in the Gulf of Aden responded to a distress call from MV Merlin Luanda on Friday night. The MV has 22 Indian and 01 Bangladeshi crew onboard, according to the Indian Navy.

Based on the request from the MV Merlin Luanda, INS Visakhapatnam has deployed the Ship’s NBCD team along with firefighting equipment to provide assistance to the crew towards augmenting firefighting efforts onboard the distressed MV Merlin Luanda, according to the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy remains steadfast and committed towards safeguarding MVs and ensuring safety of life at sea, according to the statement released by Indian Navy spokesperson on X.

In a post on X, the Indian Navy spokesperson stated, “IndianNavy’s Guided missile destroyer, #INSVisakhapatnam, deployed in the #GulfofAden responded to a distress call from MV #MarlinLuanda on the night of #26Jan 24. The fire fighting efforts onboard the distressed Merchant Vessel is being augmented by the NBCD team along with firefighting equipment, deployed by #INSVisakhapatnam to assist the crew onboard the MV. The MV has 22 #Indian & 01 Bangladeshi crew onboard. #IndianNavy remains steadfast & committed towards safeguarding MVs & ensuring safety of life at sea.”

Meanwhile, the US Central Command stated that Houthi terrorists fired one anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and hit the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda

In a post on X, US Central Command stated, “Houthis Strike M/V Marlin Luanda Operating in the Gulf of Aden. On Jan. 26, at approximately 7:45 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists fired one anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen and struck the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker M/V Marlin Luanda.”

“The ship issued a distress call and reported damage. USS Carney (DDG 64) and other coalition ships have responded and are rendering assistance. No injuries have been reported at this time,” it added.

Earlier this month, the Indian Navy’s mission-deployed guided missile destroyer, INS Visakhapatnam, addressed a distress call from the Marshall Island-flagged MV Genco Picardy following a drone attack on the night of January 17. INS Visakhapatnam, currently on an anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden, promptly acknowledged the distress call. The destroyer intercepted the vessels at midnight on January 18, 2024, to provide immediate assistance. (ANI)

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MV Lila Norfolk off Somalia's coast Navy

Indian Crew Of MV Lila Norfolk Thanks Indian Navy

By LokMarg 6th January 2024

Indians, who were a part of the crew onboard the hijacked vessel MV Lili Norfolk, thanked the Indian Navy for rescuing them. The Indian Navy on Friday safely evacuated the hijacked vessel MV Lila Norfolk off Somalia’s coast.

In a video posted by the Navy, the crew members can be seen chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and thanking the Indian Navy. One of the Indians who was rescued by the Indian Navy said, “We were stuck for 24 hours. We got relief after the Indian Navy came to rescue them.” Another man said, “Proud of the Indian Navy.”

The Indian Navy’s marine commandos rescued 21 crew members, including 15 Indians, from the hijacked Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk on January 6, 2024.

The crew members were rescued in a swift operation in the North Arabian Sea after armed pirates attempted to hijack the vessel.

In a statement posted on X, the Indian Navy on Friday stated, “Indian Navy’s Swift Response to the Hijacking Attempt of MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea. All 21 crew (incl 15 Indians) onboard safely evacuated from the citadel. Sanitisation by MARCOs has confirmed the absence of the hijackers.”

The attempt of hijacking by the pirates was probably abandoned with the forceful warning by the Indian Navy, MPA of interception by Indian Naval warship, the statement read. INS Chennai is in the vicinity of MV and rendering support to restore the power generation and propulsion, and commence her voyage to the next port of call.

Indian Navy’s elite Marine Commandos are still carrying out sanitisation operations in other parts of the vessel, the military officials earlier told ANI.

According to the officials, MARCOS did not find any pirates on the hijacked vessel. The rescued crew has informed that the pirates had fired at the ship during a hijack attempt after which they all hid themselves in the citadel. INS Chennai diverted from her Anti-Piracy patrol and intercepted the MV at 3:15 pm on Friday.

“MV was kept under continuous surveillance using Maritime Patrol Aircraft, Predator MQ9B and integral helos. The Indian Navy Marine Commandos present onboard the Mission Deployed warship boarded the MV and have commenced the Sanitisation,” the earlier statement from the Indian Navy stated.

In another development, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar issued directives to the Indian warships operating in the Arabian Sea to take the “strictest possible action” against the pirates, defence officials said.

Earlier, the officials had informed that Merchant vessel MV Lila Norfolk was hijacked by pirates 300 nautical miles east of Somalia, while it was sailing from Port Du Aco in Brazil and was bound for Khalifa Bin Salman in Bahrain.

The Indian Navy’s Mission Deployed Platforms responded swiftly to the hijacking attempt on board a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier after it received a message on the UKMTO portal indicating boarding by approximately five to six unknown armed personnel on Thursday evening, the Indian Navy said in a statement.

In response to the situation, the Indian Navy launched a Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and diverted INS Chennai, deployed for maritime security operations, to assist the vessel. (ANI)

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Vessel With 15 Indians Onboard Hijacked, Indian Navy Ship Rushes For Rescue

By LokMarg 5th January 2024

In response to the situation, the Indian Navy launched an Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and diverted INS Chennai, deployed for maritime security operations, to assist the vessel.

The aircraft overflew the vessel on Friday morning and established contact with the vessel, ascertaining the safety of the crew.

As per the Indian Navy, Naval aircraft is continuously monitoring the movement of the vessel and Indian warship INS Chennai is closing the vessel to render assistance.

The overall situation is being closely monitored in coordination with other agencies and MNFs in the area, Indian Navy said. (ANI)

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Navy’s Newest Guided Missile Destroyer Imphal Hits Bulls Eye

By LokMarg 22nd November 2023

Yard 12706 (Imphal), the Indian Navy’s latest indigenous guided missile destroyer, scored ‘Bulls Eye’ in her maiden Brahmos firing at sea, the Indian Navy said on Wednesday.

According to the Indian Navy, this was the first ever test-firing of the extended-range Brahmos missile by a warship before the commissioning, which underscores the unwavering focus of the navy on combat readiness.

This marks another symbol of ‘Aatmanibharta’ and the Indian Navy’s firepower at the sea.

The Imphal is the third ship of the Visakhapatnam-class stealth guided missile destroyer of the Indian Navy. Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau (WDB) and built by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Mumbai, the INS Imphal ship is a hallmark of indigenous shipbuilding and is amongst the most technologically advanced warships in the world.

Imphal was named in recognition of the Indian soldiers who fought in the Battle of Imphal during World War II.

Being a guided missile destroyer with a displacement of 7,400 tons and an overall length of 164 meters, Imphal is a potent and versatile platform equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, including surface-to-air missiles, anti-ship missiles and torpedoes.

Powered by a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) propulsion set, comprising four gas turbines, she is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 30 knots (56 km/h).

The ship boasts of high indigenous content of approximately 75 per cent that includes Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (BEL, Bangalore), BrahMos Surface-to-Surface Missiles (BrahMos Aerospace, New Delhi), Indigenous Torpedo Tube Launchers (Larsen and Toubro, Mumbai), Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers (Larsen and Toubro, Mumbai) and 76mm Super Rapid Gun Mount (BHEL, Haridwar).

Imphal’s keel was laid on May 19, 2017, and the ship was launched into water on April 20, 2019.

The ship had sailed out for her maiden sea trials on April 28, 2023, and, ever since, has undergone a comprehensive schedule of trials in the harbour and at sea, leading up to its delivery within a record timeframe of only six months. (ANI)

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Indian Predator Drones Help Navy Keep A Close Watch Over Indian Ocean Region

By LokMarg 26th September 2023

The Predator drones of the Indian Navy have flown over 13,000 hours of missions across the Indian Ocean Region from INS Rajali, Naval Air Base here and helped the maritime force keep a close watch on the entire area for interest of the country.

The two drones have been operated by the Indian Navy since November 2020 when the force got them on lease from the American firm General Atomics as part of the emergency procurement powers.

“The aircraft has the capability to cover over 4,000-8,000 kms in one go and can operate for more than 30 hours in one stretch which allows them to cover the entire Indian Ocean Region in one go,” the second in command of the Navy’s drone unit Lieutenant Commander Lokesh Pandey told ANI.

Team ANI covered the operations of the most advanced drone of the force here where the Predator showcased its capabilities.

Asked about the 15 more advanced Predator MQ-9B drones that the force would be getting from the US under a tri-services deal, the first Mission Commander of the Predator drones in the country Lieutenant Commander Varsha said the new drones being planned would be equipped with weapons including air to ground missiles, bombs and submarine detection kits fitted with sonobuoys which can help detect the hidden enemy submarines.

The Predator drones can be equipped with American Hellfire missiles, bombs and other high-level sensors which can be used for carrying out strikes from long ranges against enemy targets.

The American forces have used drones to carry out countless strikes against terrorists like al-Qaeda’s Ayman al-Zawahiri, and others.

The Indian armed forces are getting 31 of these drones in total as part of a deal announced by India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the US earlier this year.

The Indian Ministry of Defence also handed over the Letter of Request to the US government for the drones after which the two sides will now start holding commercial negotiations.

The 31 drones are being offered at USD 3.1 billion but the Indian side is hopeful to get a concession on the price being offered. The Navy will get 15 of the 31 drones while the Army and the Air Force will get 8 each of them.

Asked about the deployment of drones in places like Ladakh, Lieutenant Commander Lokesh said the unmanned aircraft can provide a direct live feed of the battlefield situation on the ground from high mountainous areas to the top commanders sitting in headquarters in Delhi.

Officials said the aircraft while flying missions over the Indian Ocean near the Sunda strait has on many occasions identified and alerted the movement of Chinese warships movements through the Indian areas of interest and kept track of their research and fishing vessels operating in the area.

The Indian Navy has started training more number of officers and sailors to operate the drones in their fleet and will be training them to keep the drones ready for operations as part of the contractor-owned contractor-operated deal. (ANI)

Centre Clears Navy’s Rs 20,000 Cr Fleet Support Ship Project

By LokMarg 16th August 2023

In a major boost for the Indian Navy, the Centre on Wednesday gave final clearance to a project to build five fleet support ships for the maritime force which will help it to replenish its warships with fuel, food and ammunition.

The five vessels would be built by the Visakhapatnam-based defence ministry’s Hindustan Shipyard Limited. The ships to be built indigenously would also boost the Aatmanirbharta or the self reliance goals of the Indian Navy in line with the government directives.

“Around Rs 20,000 crore project was given final clearance by the Central government in a high-level meeting on Wednesday. The five Fleet Support Ships will be built by the HSL with the support of multiple Indian private sector small and medium enterprises,” government sources told ANI.

The project is expected to create thousands of new jobs for a long period and boost the capabilities of industries aligned with the project, they said.

The FSS would provide fuel, food, ammunition and spare parts to ensure the continued operational readiness of warships of different fleets of the Navy at all times during operations.

As per the plan, HSL is expected to deliver all the ships in about eight years .

Each ship will be weighing around 45,000 tonnes. HSL had been nominated by Indian Navy for the construction of five Fleet Support Ships. (ANI)

Navy Ends Colonial Legacy Of Carrying Batons

By LokMarg 29th July 2023

In line with government’s direction to shed colonial legacy, the Indian Navy has ended the practice of carrying batons by all its personnel with immediate effect.

In a communication issued by the force, the Indian Navy said: “With the passage of time, carrying of batons by naval personnel has become a norm. The symbolism of authority or power pot heated through the holding of a baton is a colonial legacy that is out of place in a transformed navy of Amrit Kaal.”
In light of this, “Carrying of batons by all personnel including those from the provost be discontinued with immediate effect,” the letter said.

The Navy has now instructed that a ceremonial baton be placed appropriately in the office of the head of the organisation of every unit.

Indian Navy Gets First Indigenous Aircraft Carrier Vikrant

The Navy has stated that the ceremonial handover of the baton may be undertaken within the office as part of a change of command only.

The Indian Defence forces have taken multiple steps to shed the legacies of the colonial era and the Indian Navy changed its insignia as well.

The new ensign or ‘Nishaan’ of the Indian Navy was also unveiled last year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi where it removed the remnants of the colonial past and reflects the country’s rich maritime heritage.

The new ensign is inspired by the seal of Chhatrapati Shivaji. (ANI)

India Selected 26 Rafale Fighters After Successful Trial

By LokMarg 15th July 2023

The central government announced on Saturday a selection of Rafale fighters to equip the Indian Navy with the advanced combat jets.

According to French aerospace company, Dassault Aviation, 26 Rafale fighters for the Indian Navy will add to the 36 advanced fighters that are already in service.
“This decision comes after a successful trial campaign held in India, during which the Navy Rafale demonstrated that it fully met the Indian Navy’s operational requirements and was perfectly suited to the specificities of its aircraft carrier,” Dassault Aviation said.

“This selection confirms the excellence of the Rafale, the exceptional quality of the link between Dassault Aviation and the Indian Forces, and the importance of the strategic relationship between India and France,” it added.

India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for the procurement of 26 Rafale Marine aircraft for the Indian Navy on Thursday.

DAC, which held a meeting here on Thursday, also granted the AoN for the procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under Buy (Indian) category, which will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

A Defence Ministry release informed that the acceptance of Necessity for Rafale Marine aircraft has been approved along with associated ancillary equipment, weapons, simulator, spares, documentation, crew training and logistic support for the Indian Navy from the French Government, based on Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA).

It said the price and other terms of purchase will be negotiated with the France government after taking into account all relevant aspects, including comparative procurement price of similar aircraft by other countries.

Further, the integration of Indian-designed equipment and establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) Hub for various systems will be incorporated into the contract documents after due negotiations.

The release said the DAC also approved the proposal to lay down guidelines for achieving the desired indigenous content in all categories of capital acquisition cases.

“It will help in achieving ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in critical manufacturing technologies and life-cycle sustenance of defence platforms and equipment through indigenous manufacturing,” the release said. (ANI)

‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ Rents Paris Air As Indian Contingent Marches At Bastille Day Parade

By LokMarg 14th July 2023

The Indian military contingent marched to the beats of ‘Sare Jahan Se Accha’ even as a compliment of Rafale fighters of the Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in a flypast over the Champs-Elysees at the Bastille Day Parade.

The Punjab Regiment led the march and was followed by the Indian Navy and then the Air Force as the left their mark at the annual parade to mark the historic fall of Bastille in 1789.
The Punjab Regiment was led by Captain Aman Jagtap whie the Indian naval contingent was led by Commander Vrat Baghel. The Indian Air Force contingent was commanded by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was at the event as the Guest of Honour, took the salute from the Indian contingent as they marched at the Champs-Elysees.

In a moment to savour for India, the IAF Rafales streaked the skies over Champs-Elysees, leaving the audience in awe.

French President Emmanuel Macron, First Lady Brigitte Macron, topped the dignitaries attending the Bastille Day Military Parade on Friday.

The French fighters, which led the flypast, left a trail of smoke in the colours of the French national flag — red, blue and white, leaving the skies of Champs-Elysees bathing in its afterglow.

Both the Indian and French troops marched with trumpets and drums.

Macron received the Guard of Honour upon his arrival ahead of the military parade.

Ahead of the parade, PM Modi and the French President shared a warm hug as the latter arrived for the Bastille Day parade at Champs-Élysées in Paris.

Champs-Élysées was gilded in the colours of the French Flag.

This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Bastille Day Parade is the highlight of celebrations of the day that marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison, an ancient royal fortress in 1789 during the French Revolution.

This year the Bastille Day Parade had 6,300 soldiers in various marching contingents. This included a tri-services contingent of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. The Indian Army was represented by the Punjab Regiment. The troops of the Regiment have participated in both World Wars, having been awarded 18 Battle and Theatre Honours in the first war.

The Punjab Regiment participated in an offensive near Neuve Chapelle in France in September 1915 during World War One. The regiment also won 16 Battle Honours and 14 Theatre Honours in the Second World War.

Earlier, the Ministry of Defence, in a press release, stated, “The Indian Army contingent comprising of 77 marching personnel and 38 members of the Band is being led by Captain Aman Jagtap. Indian Navy contingent is being led by Commander Vrat Baghel and the Indian Air Force contingent is by Squadron Leader Sindhu Reddy. The Rafale fighter jets of the Indian Air Force will also form part of the flypast during the parade.”

It added, “The Army contingent is being represented by the Punjab Regiment which is one of the oldest Regiments of the Indian Army. The troops of the Regiment have participated in both the World Wars as well as the post-independence operations.” (ANI)

MH60R Helicopter Undertakes Maiden Sea Landing Onboard Indian Navy Warship

By LokMarg 19th May 2023

In a significant milestone for the Indian Navy, the MH60R helicopter undertook maiden landings on the indigenously designed and constructed destroyer, INS Kolkata, said Indian Navy on Friday.

This achievement provides a major boost to the Indian Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare capability, the navy added.

According to Indian Navy, the MH60R helicopter is a versatile platform known for its exceptional ASW, surveillance, anti-shipping and Search and Rescue capabilities.

Its integration with Indian Navy warships would further strengthen the Navy’s capability to counter underwater threats, monitor maritime activities and conduct surveillance operations, the navy said.

Meanwhile, the sixth Scorpene Submarine of Project-75, Yard 11880, Indian Navy’s Kalvari class, ‘Vaghsheer’ commenced her sea trials on Thursday.

The submarine was launched on April 20, 2022, from the Kanhoji Angre Wet Basin of Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL).

Vagsheer is scheduled for delivery to the Indian Navy in early 2024 after the completion of these trials.

MDL has ‘delivered’ three submarines of Project – 75 in 24 months and the commencement of sea trials of the sixth submarine is a significant milestone. This is indicative of the boost towards Aatma Nirbhar Bharat.

The submarine will now undergo intense trials of all its systems at sea, these include propulsion systems, weapons, and sensors.

INS Vagsheer is named after the Sand Fish– a deadly deep-sea predator of the Indian Ocean.

The first Submarine Vagsheer, ex-Russia, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 26 December 1974 and was decommissioned on 30 April 1997 after almost three decades of yeoman service to the nation.

The state-of-art technology utilized in the Scorpene has ensured superior stealth features, including advanced acoustic absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimized shape, and the ability to launch a crippling attack on the enemy using precision-guided weapons. Its stealth features give it an invulnerability, unmatched by most submarines.

According to an official statement, “The Submarine (Vagsheer) is designed to operate in all theatres of operation, showcasing interoperability with other components of a Naval Task Force. It is a potent platform, marking a transformational shift in submarine operations.”

“With the launch of Vagsheer, India further cements its position as a Submarine Building Nation and MDL has more than lived up to its reputation as Warship and Submarine Builders to the Nation,” it read further. (ANI)