Review of development work at Karwar/IAC
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka on 24 June 2021 to review progress of ongoing infrastructure development under ‘Project Seabird’. Accompanied by Chief of the Navy Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, he undertook an aerial survey of the project area and sites before arriving at the INS Kadamba Helipad.
Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh visited the Karwar Naval Base in Karnataka on 24 June to review the progress of ongoing infrastructure development under ‘ Project Seabird’. Accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, he undertook an aerial survey of the Project Area and Sites before arriving at the INS Kadamba Heli Pad. The visiting dignitaries were received by Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Western Naval Command Vice Admiral R Hari Kumar and Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area, Rear Admiral Mahesh Singh.
The Raksha Mantri inspected the ongoing works at the Naval Base and received on- site briefings including capability demonstration at the Shiplift Tower. He also undertook a tour of the Naval Harbour and reviewed the marine works/ infrastructure being developed as part of Project Seabird Phase II A as also operationalisation of Piers. Mr. Rajnath Singh visited the newly-constructed Sailors Married Accommodation which incorporates advanced features for water efficiency, handling of house-hold waste, energy efficiency and provides environmentfriendly houses.
Later, he interacted with Project Seabird Contactors & Engineers and Officers, Sailors & Civilians of Karwar Naval Base. In his address, he expressed satisfaction at the progress of works being carried out under ‘Project Seabird’. He hoped that after the completion of the project, the Kawar Naval Base would become Asia’s largest Naval base which would further bolster the operational readiness of the Armed Forces and help in augmenting trade, economy & humanitarian aid operations.
The Raksha Mantri also highlighted some of the reforms undertaken by the Government to further strengthen the operational preparedness of the Armed Forces, including appointment of Chief of Defence Staff and setting up of Department of Military Affairs in Ministry of Defence. He also listed out a number of initiatives
taken by the Government to promote self reliance in defence manufacturing. The initiatives include allocation of 64 per cent of modernisation funds under capital acquisition budget for 2021-22 for domestic procurement; changes in Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 and increase in FDI limit in the defence sector to 74 per cent.
Raksha Mantri also reviewed the progress of construction of first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd., at Kochi and was accompanied by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh and Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command Vice Admiral AK Chawla. The Raksha Mantri visited the construction site and was briefed about the successful Basin Trials completed during November 2020. He was also appraised of the progress achieved on integration of a number of other navigational, communication and operational systems since then, as it prepares for its maiden Contractor Sea Trials (CST) which is expected in the forthcoming months.
The IAC would be commissioned as INS Vikrant in the first half of 2022, which would be the most potent sea-based asset. The ship shall operate MiG-29K fighter aircraft, Kamov- 31 Air Early Warning Helicopters, the soon to be inducted MH- 60R multi- role helicopter and the indigenously manufactured Advanced Light Helicopters. It would offer an incomparable military instrument with its ability to project air power over long distances, including air interdiction, anti- surface warfare, offensive and defensive counterair, airborne anti-submarine warfare and airborne early warning.
The Raksha Mantri expressed satisfaction at the progress of construction of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier, describing it as a shining example of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ envisioned by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. He stated that IAC had nearly 75 per cent indigenous content - from design to steel used in construction to key weapons and sensors. He recalled a recent approval accorded by the Defence Acquisition Council for RFP of Project 75-I under the Strategic Partnership model, which will give further fillip to indigenous development of niche manufacturing technologies.
He further highlighted the combat capability, reach and versatility of the aircraft carrier, saying that it would add formidable capabilities in the defence of the country and help secure India› s interests in maritime domain. Appreciating the fact that significant progress was made on the construction of IAC despite COVID-19, he said the commissioning of IAC will be a befitting tribute to 75 years of India›s independence.