Navy unveils millennium plans

Navy unveils millennium plans
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

NEW DELHI, DEC 3: Indian Navy is poised to become a `Blue Water' Navy by 2010 as it plans to induct at least two aircraft carriers by then, equip its `kilo' class warships with cruise missiles and explore the possibilities of inducting nuclear-powered submarines depending on the political will of the Government.

Unveiling broad outlines of the naval strategy for the new millennium, Navy Chief Admiral Sushil Kumar told reporters that the doctrine would be based on the concept of ``preventive deterrence'' and a combination of ``maritime diplomacy, robust forward presence and dominant maneouvre''.

Stating that India's vital maritime interests were largely threatened from the sea, he said while the country's geographical position situated it on the ``most vital waterways'' of the world, 97 per cent of its trade was sea- borne, 70 per cent of its oil came via sea and the Navy had tremendous policing requirements right from the Persian Gulf to the Malaccan Straits.

``The new silk route of the next millenniumruns from the Persian Gulf via the Indian Ocean and through the Malacca Straits,'' Kumar said, adding it was time that ``India looked south and remind ourselves of our maritime destiny.''

Speaking of the impending acquisitions, the Navy chief said Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov, on sale to India after refits, would soon become an ``important and good asset'' and added that all modifications and repairs would be carried out within ``a reasonable time-frame''.

`Kilo' class ships like INS Talwar would be fitted with Russian `Klub' cruise missiles ``which will be available very shortly''. The `Klub' missiles have a range of about 300 kms and a warship can fire them right inside the enemy land from deep sea.

On aircraft carriers, Kumar said it was absolutely essential that the force acquired at least two operational carriers before 2010 by when the life-span of INS Viraat ends.

``By that time, we will have our own indigenously-built aircraft carrier and Admiral Gorshkov. We will startconstruction of the third carrier immediately after the first one is constructed,'' he said, adding the acquisition of `Amur' class submarines would be decided at the political level.

Refusing to reply to questions on nuclear-powered submarines, the Navy chief said, ``We will keep our aspirations alive... It is a strategic decision and the Indian Navy can only give professional advice to the Government.''

He, however, said the Navy, ``can be a blue water Navy without nuclear submarines''. On whether Pakistan's acquisition of Agosta class submarines posed enhanced threat to India, Kumar said, ``It fits in very well in Pakistan's operational scheme of sea denials. It is an important asset for them. The Indian Navy has taken it into consideration.''