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 Naval
Chief Admiral DK Joshi has observed that as a
carrier-centric force, the Navy was looking forward
to the arrival of INS Vikramaditya and integrate
her “into our operational architecture.”
“Given our vast maritime domain, far-flung island
territories, national interests, and the extremely
dynamic geo-strategic environment, INS Vikramaditya’s
recent commissioning has further bolstered our
carrier centric ‘blue-water’ capability,” he had
said in his annual Navy Day (December 4) press
interaction.
Notably, the Navy had planned for induction of
three aircraft carriers right from the late 1990s,
with the aim that at least two carrier task forces
would always be available while a third one would
be under maintenance and replenishment. In addition
to the Vikramaditya (aka Adniral Gorshkov) acquired
from Russia, India’s indigenous aircraft carrier
Vikrant is being build at Kochi shipyard and should
be ready for induction in 2017.
Plans are there to begin construction of a second
indigenous carrier, of about 60,000 tonnesplus.
The Directorate of Naval Design (DND) is already
considering what equipment should be on board,
and according to Vice Chief of the Navy Vice Admiral
Robin Dhowan, all options from nuclear to steam
propulsion, the type of aircraft and escort vessels
and so on are on the table for both INS Vikrant
and the possible second indigenous carrier.
Conventionally, aircraft are launched by steam-propelled
catapults. The US Navy, which maintains a fleet
of 11 large aircraft carriers around the world,
has decided to go in for Electro-Magnetic Aircraft
Launch Systems (EMALS) and its developer, General
Atomics has offered the technology to India this
year. This is also being considered although decisions
on various aspects of technology are a bit far.
Looking for core design capabilities, and evolving
sophistication of technologies, DND has set up
specialist groups in hydrodynamics, hull design,
structures, propulsion, automation and stealth.
Leading companies from around the world have made
offers and they are being evaluated.
Admiral Joshi made it clear that while there
is due emphasis on aircraft carriers, the submarine
programme is given equal importance. The existing
Scorpene project, initially delayed, is now on
its revised schedule and the Government has approved
the budget for six more, newer, submarines with
Air Independent Propulsion (AIP). It wouldn’t
be long before the process is formally put to
the global shipping industry for tenders.
As for the Navy getting ready for INS Vikramaditya,
he said that her complement of MiG-29K fighters,
already at Goa, are undertaking intensive training,
to commence deck flying as soon as the carrier
comes in the Indian waters.
At INS Hansa, the training station in Goa where
the MiG-29s are located, batches of pilots are
doing the intensive routine on both simulators
and flights. This writer, recently in Goa, was
told by Rear Admiral Balwinder Singh Parhar, Flag
Officer Naval Aviation and Commanding Goa Naval
Area, that the pilots were keenly awaiting with
their aircraft to board their mother ship and
begin operations. “It would be a big day for all
of us when Vikramaditya arrives.”
The Navy has set up a 14 degree ski to replicate
takeoffs from the carrier and an arrested wire
recovery has also just been completed at Goa.
INS Vikramaditya though would be berthed at the
new and nearby Karwar port, built specifically
to accommodate large vessels.
Admiral Joshi observed out that “Vikramaditya
bridges the time gap between Indian Navy’s existing
capability and our indigenous aircraft carrier
project.”
While the Navy’s diesel-electric submarines and
helicopter modernisation programmes have been
slow, or stuck, its Naval Aviation has literally
been on the flying colours path. The Indian Navy
marked 60 years of naval aviation this year, INS
Vikramaditya is on way home from Russia, several
aviation infrastructure projects have been completed,
and three Boeing P8-I long range maritime reconnaissance
aircraft have arrived as scheduled. Five more
should arrive in 2014 and there could be a repeat
order for eight to 12 aircraft.
Admiral Joshi made a special mention of the P8-Is,
observing: “Recent induction of P81 Boeings has
ushered in a new era for Navy’s air surveillance
and standoff attack capabilities.”
He also mentioned the recent induction of Hawk
AJTs (Advanced Jet Trainers), 17 of which are
being acquired by the Navy from HAL. Overall,
he said, “naval aviation is undergoing a qualitative
transformation.”
Admiral Joshi echoed the other two Services,
Army and Indian Air Force (IAF) in saying that
indigenous capability is the key to defence. That’s
why, “Our theme for this year’s Navy Week, is
“Indian Navy - Maritime Security Through Self
Reliance.”
He was proud, he said, that all the 45 ships
and submarines, which are currently on order for
Indian Navy, are being constructed in India in
both public as well as private shipyards. This
fact indicates the Navy’s commitment to indigenisation
towards strategic autonomy for the nation. The
Admiral also disclosed that India’s first indigenous
nuclear submarine, Arihant, was doing well in
the trials and its nuclear power was steadily
being increased towards full power, but step by
step.
It is a question of pure physics. The safety
factor is paramount and gradually the vessel would
be loaded and powered with nuclear fuel to 200
percent. There would be rehearsals for emergencies,
experiments in applied physics and so on.
Arihant would begin sea trials shortly, he said,
adding that in a year or so, it should be operational
with required missiles and weapons on board. Her
reactor was started – or made critical in scientific
terms – on August 10.
Arihant is SSBN class, that is nuclear propelled
and nuclear armed. The Navy’s INS Chakra, acquired
from Russia, is only nuclear propelled, designated
SSN.
He praised the Navy, DRDO and Industry for the
synergy between them that has enhanced the pace,
quantum and quality of indigenisation. Globally
very few select countries construct their own
ships, aircraft carriers and submarines, including
nuclear ones, and’ this achievement is a matter
of national pride.
Admiral Joshi said that Navy’s own satellite
under Project Rukmani, GSAT-7, was doing well
and that it was a landmark achievement “in enhancement
of our blue-water networked operations.” The navy
was also supporting the Indian Space Research
Organisation (ISR) in its current Mars mission
by monitoring its signals from various ships,
including in South Pacific.
“We are also supporting ISRO in the Mars Mission
through Naval Teams embarked on ships currently
in South Pacific.”
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