Vikramaditya and Vikrant will participate first time in the Naval exercise ‘Milan’ from February 21st
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 20th Feb. The Bharatiya Navy has prepared extensively for this maritime exercise with fifty guest countries.
For the first time, Bharat’s two aircraft carriers, INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant, will be participating in the multinational naval exercise ‘Milan’, which will be held in the City of Destiny Visakhapatnam from February 21. The Indian Navy is preparing extensively for this maritime exercise with approximately 50 guest countries. The Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar has described this largest naval exercise to date as very important, considering Bharat’s national interest in the maritime sector. 58 nations were invited to participate in the multinational naval exercise ‘Milan’, and over 50 nations have responded to the invitation to participate. Navies from different countries have started arriving with their warships, sea and air fleets in order to participate in this exercise. The guided missile destroyer of the Arleigh Burke-class of the US Navy, referred to as the ‘USS Halsey’, has arrived in Visakhapatnam, where it has been warmly received by Sunrise Command, Eastern Naval Command, in the City of Destiny. This is the first time that both the aircraft carriers of Bharat – INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant – will participate in the multinational exercise MILAN-2024 to be held in Visakhapatnam on 21 February, 2024
Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar says that ‘MILAN’ is indeed the largest exercise ever, growing in size, content, and degree of complexity. This is of great significance as the theme this time is ‘cooperation, harmony, and dialogue’ with all. It has a sea phase and a port phase, which has begun on February 19 and run until February 27. We are currently the fifth largest economy, and we are moving towards becoming the third largest by 2030 or even earlier. The prestige of our country is increasing, and everyone is beginning to realize the importance of the maritime sector. The marine domain holds significant significance in its own right; hence it is imperative to ensure that the oceans remain secure, protected, and uncontaminated.
For the first time, both aircraft carriers of the Indian Navy including INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant would be participating in the multinational exercise Milan-2024 in Vishakhapatnam starting from February 21-27 pic.twitter.com/i9aKSOnZjE
— ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2024
He further added that it is imperative to ensure that our national interests in the maritime domain are safeguarded under the rules-based system. Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar says that after participating in the multinational exercise ‘Milan, both the aircraft carriers of the Bharatiya Navy will go to the western seaboard and we will integrate them. At present, the pace of operations on the western seaboard is quite high, as our 10 vessels are deployed for anti-drone measures. Another three to four ships are deployed for anti-piracy operations, which is unprecedented, as this was not the case earlier.
He further added that it is imperative to ensure that our national interests in the maritime domain are safeguarded under the rules-based system. Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar says that after participating in the multinational exercise ‘Milan, both the aircraft carriers of the Bharatiya Navy will go to the western seaboard and we will integrate them. At present, the pace of operations on the western seaboard is quite high, as our 10 vessels are deployed for anti-drone measures. Another three to four ships are deployed for anti-piracy operations, which is unprecedented, as this was not the case earlier.
Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar informed the US government that the request letter for the purchase of MQ 9B drones has been sent to the US government after approval from the Defense Acquisition Council (DAC). The agreement is anticipated to be executed within the forthcoming months following approval by the US Congress. Subsequently, the process of manufacturing and delivery will require a considerable amount of time, consequently, the initial MQ 9B drone may not be available for delivery before the end of 36 months. After receiving approval from the DAC on February 16, the Navy Chief announced that nine aircraft for the Navy and six aircraft for the Coast Guard will be made in Bharat. DRDO and Tata Advanced Systems Limited will jointly develop the sensor suite and information management system. Therefore, it is expected to take 4-5 years for the first aircraft to be delivered.
Thanks to the Bharatiya Navy for stopping the increasing incidents of piracy in the Arabian Sea within the last two months. He said that an anti-piracy and anti-drone operation is currently underway. The anti-drone operation is not only aiding Bharatiya flagged merchant ships but also any other flagged merchant ships by facilitating their safe arrival at the port. Four ships have been deployed to conduct anti-piracy operations. Hence, in the past, Iranian and Pakistani vessels have successfully repelled Somalian pirates and safely rescued their crews.
