This system, first-of-its-kind in the country, is a part of Indian Navy’s initiative to strengthen security of the coastline.
The automatic system is capable of detecting, identifying, tracking and generating warning for all types of surface and underwater threats to harbour security. It has been designed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) ‘ELTA’ of Israel and consists of Advanced Coastal Surveillance Radars, Electro-optic sensors and SONAR (sound navigation and ranging) for detecting presence of divers and other underwater threats to security. It is fitted in over 150 locations across the world including Africa, South America, Caribbean and Mediterranean countries.
Post 26/11 Mumbai attacks, Navy was tasked with ensuring the security of country’s vast coastline of 7516 km, covering nine coastal States and four Union Territories. The Commanders-in-Chief of the three Naval Commands of the country were designated as C-in-C Coastal Security. The task involved coordination with other stakeholders like Coast Guard, Marine Police, Fisheries etc. The setting up of the Sagar Prahari Bal, availability of Fast Interceptor Crafts (FICs) and commissioning of the IUHDSS formed part of the naval efforts to beef up security of its own harbours.
This system was contracted by Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence (IHQ-MoD) in 2012. Kochi is the first harbour to be fitted with this system. Later this is envisaged in other parts also. The system will operate under the control of the Naval Officer-in-Charge (Kerala).
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