New acquisitions for naval aviation underway: Official

CHENNAI: The Indian Navy in the process of acquiring more infrastructure in the naval aviation sector to increase its multi dimensional capacity, a senior naval officer said here today.

"We are building a modern and potent air element to add to our punch at sea with new acquisitions that are underway," Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba, Chief of Staff, Eastern Naval Command said.

He was addressing newly commissioned helicopter pilots at naval air station INS Rajali at nearby Arakkonam, about 80 km from here.

"Besides the long range aircraft like the TU and forthcoming P 8 - I that extends our reach, the helicopters are integral to the ship and are force multipliers to surface platforms, adding to the Fleet's lethal punch."

Four pilots of the Navy and five of the Coast Guard, including two women, completed training at 78th Helicopter Conversion Course at the Helicopter Training School.