Navy fully capable of defending nation, says defence minister

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman "transited" through a simulated "multi-threat" environment on board aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya along with "escorts" during Indian Navy's operational manoeuvres in the Arabian Sea.

On Monday and Tuesday, Sitharaman interacted with top brass of the Indian Navy and sailors in operational manoeuvres conducted off the western coast of India that saw participation of more than 10 naval warships,   including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, three submarines and various naval aircraft.

"The Defence Minister initially embarked INS Kolkata, the first of the indigenously built Kolkata-class destroyers and then spent the night at sea on-board INS Vikramaditya. To assess the performance of the carrier in real conditions, the Defence Minister 'transited' through a simulated 'multi-threat' environment on-board along with her 'escorts' during Monday night," Indian Navy officials said.

Reviewing the maritime prowess of the Indian Navy, Sitharaman presided over multiple complex naval operations, including air interceptions, missile, gun and rocket firings, ship-to-ship replenishment, night flying and antisubmarine operations.

The Western Fleet of the Indian Navy undertook these major naval manoeuvres to showcase operational excellence and combat capabilities.

"Having witnessed first-hand the prowess of the Western Fleet, I am confident that the Indian Navy is fully capable of defending the nation against any form of threat," she stated.

Continuing the effort to collect feedback from armed forces personnel at all operational levels of the military, Sitharaman interacted closely and had open discussions with the sailors on-board the warships.
She disembarked the ship by naval helicopter INS Hansa, to Goa, on Tuesday.

DH News Service