EDITORIAL
The fifth issue of SP’s Naval Forces starts with an article on 20 years of Indo-Oman maritime relationship. The Sultanate of Oman (conventionally called Oman) is strategically located at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, on the south-east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Oman is one of the most developed and stable countries in the Arab world. Oman has long prospered by trading in the Indian Ocean. Oman is a maritime nation with a coastline of 2,092 km. Its mainstay of the economy is oil and gas. It is 25th in the world for oil reserves and 27th in the world for gas reserves.
Indian Defence Minister A.K. Antony visited Oman in May 2010 to reinforce India’s bilateral security ties in the Gulf region where other major powers, including China, have deepened their strategic military cooperation.
India’s bilateral security ties have advanced over the years with Oman, which has become central to any international strategy to stabilise the Arabian Sea as well as the Persian Gulf which are two of the world’s most volatile sea links.
This issue has well researched articles on naval guns and on unmanned undersea vehicles (UUV). UUVs were used successfully in Operation Iraqi Freedom by US’ Naval Special Clearance Team One for mine hunting. They also carried out operations in port of Umm Qsar, up river at Karbala and Az Zubayr, Iraq.
Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company, provides business and people with virtual universes to produce sustainable innovations. Read more about Dassault Systémes in the interview with Alain Houard, Vice President Marine and Offshore Industry.
There is an article on Sindhurakshak incident written by a veteran submariner who has held important positions such as Flag Officer, (Submarines); Assistant Chief of Naval Staff (Submarines) and Inspector General (Nuclear Safety). The article on maritime patrolling capability and a show report on the recently held Naval and Maritime Expo 2013 just about wraps this issue with the usual News in Brief.
Happy reading!