Priority is to ensure we are combat-ready: Indian Navy chief

[Hindustani78]

Priority is to ensure we are combat-ready: Navy chief

• Rahul Singh, Hindustan Times, New Delhi
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• Updated: Apr 20, 2015 00:38 IST

India and the United States may have set up a working group to explore aircraft carrier technology but the navy hasn’t made up its mind yet, navy chief Admiral Robin Dhowan said. In a wide-ranging interview with Rahul Singh, he talked about the need to appoint a single-point military adviser to the government and the quick tempo set by the Modi government to fill crucial operations gaps in the military’s capabilities

Excerpts:

Will the navy deploy the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS) offered by the US on the second indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC-II)?

The IAC-II is only in a phase of study where the approach paper is being evaluated to look at possible contours of the carrier – size, equipment and machinery. It’s in a preliminary phase and will later be taken up by the defence ministry. The setting up of a joint working group on sharing technology isn’t any signal that we will go for EMALS. This will follow a protracted decision-making process by the government on aspects related to what the form and fit of the carrier will be. It’s too early to say what technology we will go for but all options are being evaluated.

What are your views on improving integration among the three arms of the military by appointing a chief of defence staff (CDS) or permanent chairman of the chiefs of staff committee?

The government will decide if there will be a CDS and on its form. But there is a requirement for jointness in the armed forces because no single service can hope to fight a conflict on its own. Jointness does exist but we certainly need a mechanism to strengthen it.

The UPA government drew flak for neglecting the military’s needs. The new regime has provided momentum to several stalled projects. Is it more perceptive to your needs?

I would say the government is very conscious about the importance of the maritime domain… these maritime interests have a direct relationship with the country’s economic growth. And this understanding and realisation is perceptible in terms of giving importance to various ongoing projects.

You took over as chief a year ago when the navy was going through a tumultuous phase and was labelled an accident-prone force. What have been your toughest fights?

I think the biggest priority has been to make sure various dimensions of the navy are combat ready at all times. For that, we had to ensure ships, submarines and aircraft were in their highest state of combat readiness. Several issues addressed include quality of training, safety audits and high-level of maintenance for our platforms. You have to fight today’s war with today’s assets. What will come after five or 10 years will come. It’s very important to be doing what we need to do with our existing force levels.

China is rapidly building up its undersea capabilities but India’s submarine fleet is not in the best of health. What are your views?

As far as our submarine force levels are concerned, measures have been taken to make sure the existing vessels are brought to a high-operational state. We are looking at life-extension programmes and arresting delays in ongoing projects. The navy’s maritime capabilities perspective plan looks at the future environment and other factors. Induction of assets is progressing in accordance with the long-term plan. We are certainly monitoring any activity of maritime forces in our region.

What is the status of the indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant?

It is currently undergoing sea trials and these are proceeding satisfactorily. The intention is to carry out weapon trials this year. But I would not like to set a deadline for the submarine to take up deterrent patrols.

 

[Hindustani78]

Indian Navy keen on fielding indigenous nuclear-powered submarine at international fleet review - The Economic Times

NEW DELHI: As the country gears up for the International Fleet Review (IFR), the Indian Navy is keen to ready the indigenous nuclear-powered submarine INS Arihant before the event, scheduled for February 2016.

INS Arihant, a 6,000-tonne submarine is at present undergoing sea trials and is likely to soon undertake weapon's trials.

While the navy is tightlipped on INS Arihant's participation in the International Fleet Review (IFR), a senior officer, on condition of anonymity, told IANS that efforts are on to get the boat ready before the event.

The officer, however, added that there will be no compromise with trials as safety is the primary concern.

"We want the submarine to be ready before the IFR. But, at the same time, there cannot be any compromise in the trials. Safety is of paramount importance," the officer said.

"If it passes through all the trials before February, there will be nothing like it," he said.

INS Arihant is the lead ship of India's Arihant-class of nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines that was launched in 2009.

While it was initially expected to go on sea trials by 2012, this happened only last December.

Although the trials have been going fine since then, no stone is being left unturned to ensure the vessel is fully battle-ready.

"The trials are so far totally smooth. But there is no scope for mistakes; so we can only try that the boat is ready by year-end," the officer said.

Asked if INS Arihant will participate in the IFR, the navy chief, Admiral R.K. Dhowan, at a press conference this week, said this was not certain.

Once inducted, the submarine will help the country complete its nuclear triad, giving it the capability to respond to nuclear strikes from sea, land and air-based systems.

The project is being undertaken under the advanced technology vessel (ATV) programme under the supervision of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and involving agencies and establishments such as the DRDO, the Department of Atomic Energy and the Submarine Design Group of the Directorate of Naval Design, besides companies such L&T.

Its design is based on the Russian Akula-1 class submarine and its 83MW pressurised water reactor has been built with significant Russian assistance.

While its 100-member crew has been trained by Russian specialists, Indian scientists at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre have received significant expertise in reducing the size of the reactor to fit it into the submarine's 10 metre diameter hull.

India currently operates the Russian-origin nuclear-powered submarine INS Chakra, which is on a 10-year lease since 2012.

Nuclear submarines have the capability to stay out in the sea for longer.

Over 50 countries are expected to participate in the International Fleet Review to be held February 4-8, 2016.

Some 90 ships are expected to participate in the review.