Operating on the high seas

DNA (December 04, 2009)                                                                           Print This News

MUMBAI: The term blue-water navy is a colloquialism used to describe a maritime force capable of operating across the deep waters of open oceans. While what actually constitutes such a force remains undefined, there is a requirement for the ability to exercise sea control at wide ranges. In modern warfare blue-water navy implies self-contained force protection from sub-surface, surface and airborne threats and a sustainable logistic reach, allowing a persistent presence at range. Over the past decade, the Indian Navy has been constantly making rapid strides in this area. ...................................................
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In addition, BrahMos Aerospace, the corporate joint venture between India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and NPOM, Russia's state-supported cruise missile and space technology design bureau, developed an anti-ship missile capable of being launched from surface ships, submarines and aircraft and with a tactical land-attack capability.

The BrahMos missile, believed to be the first supersonic anti-ship/land attack missile, was inducted into the Indian Defense forces in November 2006 after a series of successful flight trials. The Navy version was the first to be inducted in 2006.

The Indian Navy maintains a Carrier Battle Group around INS Viraat. India launched an SSBN INS Arihant in July 2008, to act as a nuclear deterrent at sea. India has two aircraft carriers under construction that are due to join the fleet in 2014.

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