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Reports noted that Defence Minister Shri A.K. Antony on May 14 called upon the top brass of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to ensure timely implementation of measures envisaged under Phase - II of Coastal Security Plan. Addressing the Naval Commanders’ Conference, Antony said the National Command Control, Communication and Intelligence Network Project is to become operational later this year. He expressed confidence that this real-time link between the Operations Rooms of the Navy and the Coast Guard will surely synergise coastal security operations. The Defence Minister reiterated that funds will never be a constraint for capital acquisition and will be made available. He, however, said funds must be utilized in the most judicious manner to achieve national goals. The Navy Chief in his address highlighted the constant need for synergy and coordination amongst various agencies and the role of Navy in maintaining optimal maritime security. 1
In another development, according to reports, Indian Naval Aviation received a major boost with the arrival of the first of eight Boeing P-8I Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance and Anti Submarine Warfare (LRMRASW) aircraft at Naval Air Station Rajali (Arakkonam) on 15 May 2013. The remaining seven aircrafts would be delivered over the next two years.
These LRMRASW aircraft have been procured under the contract signed in 2009.
The aircraft is equipped with foreign & indigenous sensors for maritime reconnaissance, anti submarine operations and electronic intelligence missions. The aircraft is fully integrated with state of the art sensors and highly potent anti surface and anti submarine weapons. The P-8I aircraft is expected to greatly enhance India's maritime surveillance capability in the Indian Ocean Region. 2
- 1. “Coastal Security Plan Phase – II – Must Be Finished On Time: Antony,” PIB, May 14, 2013, at http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=95975
- 2. “Arrival of First Indian Naval P-8I LRMRASW Aircraft at INS Rajali,” PIB, May 15, 2013, at http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=96013