Naval Commanders’ Conference: Rare brainstorming session brings out key focus areas

NEW DELHI: A one-of-its-kind Naval Commanders' Conference, bringing together the former chiefs of the navy along with serving officers, was conducted at New Delhi from 25-28 May 15. The brainstorming session covered a vast range of topics covering everything from ensuring greater indigenisation of naval equipment to building up the required naval infrastructure.

The Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral RK Dhowan chaired the conference and addressed the Navy’s top leadership on myriad issues including enhancing operational readiness of the Commands, infrastructure development, human resources management, coastal security, cyber security in the Indian Navy and foreign cooperation initiatives.

We take you through the six key topics discussed in the conference:

1) Make in India: The indigenisation programme of the Navy was discussed and the CNS stressed that indigenisation of platforms, weapons, sensors and equipment, through DRDO, public and private sectors as also through in-house efforts, should remain an area of focus. He emphasized that the ‘Roadmap for the Navy’s expansion and growth would continue to remain anchored on Self-reliance and Indigenisation’. He also urged the naval designers and technical officers to work in close coordination with DRDO so as to develop niche technologies for the future Navy.

2) Building security: The CNS released the Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (2015-27) and reviewed progress of various infrastructure projects that are in the pipeline and shall contribute towards capacity building. The need to adopt sustainable green technologies, re-cycling and waste management to reduce carbon footprint of our bases, in pursuance of the energy goals of our country as also to have ‘zero carbon footprint’ were also stressed by the CNS.


In pic: CNS Admiral RK Dhowan with former Chiefs of Navy at their conclave in New Delhi.

3) Strengthening the fleet: Plans for conducting the International Fleet Review and induction plan for Scorpene submarines were also reviewed by the CNS.

4) Firming up navy's aviation might: Consolidation and strengthening of the rapidly expanding aviation arm of the Navy was discussed. Deliberations were also held on infrastructure and manning requirements for new induction aircraft, including Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and enhancement of surveillance in our area of interest.

5) Securing the coastal border: The CNS reviewed the 'coastal security construct' and was satisfied with the steady progress made in strengthening the coastal security apparatus viz. induction of FICs, ISVs and NC3 I project.

6) Year of the Sailor: One of the focus areas discussed during the conference was the induction of manpower, aspects pertaining to training and skill development, and welfare of personnel. Consequent to 2015 being observed as the ‘Year of the Sailor’ in the Indian Navy, service conditions of sailors and their quality of life (including post retirement placements, accommodation and hospital facilities etc.) were deliberated extensively.