The Indian Navy (IN) commissioned the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Jatayu at Minicoy, the southernmost island in Lakshadweep. This is the 2nd naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep.
- It was commissioned by Admiral Radhakrishnan (R.) Hari Kumar, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS).
Key People:
i.Praful K Patel, Administrator of Lakshadweep; Vice Admiral V Srinivas, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief(FOC-O-C), Southern Naval Command were present during the commissioning ceremony.
ii.During the ceremony, CNS Admiral Kumar was presented a 50-men Guard of Honour.
Highlights:
i.INS Jatayu will be functioning under the operational control of the Naval Officer in Charge (Lakshadweep), Southern Naval Command.
- Commander Vrat Baghel, the first Commanding Officer of the unit.
ii.It is named after a bird/character in the Hindu epic Ramayana who was the first responder when Goddess Sita was abducted.
Importance of IN’s presence at Minicoy:
i.INS Jatayu will strengthen IN’s presence and expanding operational capabilities and reach in the region, particularly in response to China’s growing influence in the Maldives.
ii.Recently, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu reiterated the demand for all Indian military personnel to withdraw by 10th May 2024. Therefore, the naval presence at Minicoy island, located just north of the Maldives archipelago, will become strategically important.
iii.It will improve connections to the mainland and support the overall development of the islands.
iv.It will also enhance the Indian Navy’s efforts in anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the Western Arabian Sea.
v.This unit will also act as the first responder if the need arises in this area.
IN Commissions India 1st MH 60R Seahawk squadron of Helicopters at INS Garuda in Kochi
The CNS R. Hari Kumar also commissioned Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 334 ‘Seahawks’, India’s first MH 60R multirole helicopter Squadron, at INS Garuda in Kochi, Kerala.
- The first Seahawk squadron of 48 officers and 170 men is commanded by Captain M. Abhisheik Ram. The squadron is raised with six helicopters.
About MH 60R Seahawk helicopter:
i.This helicopter will enhance India’s maritime capabilities and secure national interests.
ii.The MH 60R Seahawk is a maritime version of the Black Hawk. It is a part of a 24-aircraft contract with the United States (US) since February 2020.
iii.Designed for various operations including anti-submarine warfare and search and rescue, it’s equipped with advanced weapons and sensors.
iv.The IN received its first two MH-60R choppers in 2022. These twin engine helicopters are capable of operating from frigates, destroyers, and aircraft carriers.
v.They are Armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, MK 54 torpedoes, and precision weapons.
vi.MH 60R helicopters are one of the most potent anti-submarine helicopters in the world with abilities for surveillance, and can also be used for search-and-rescue operations and medical evacuations.
- These helicopters will enhance India’s operational capability in the Indian Ocean region (IOR).
Recent Related News:
i.The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed a contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL)(Kochi, Kerala) for mid-life upgrade and re-powering of the advanced guided missile frigate Indian Naval Ship (INS) Beas (F37) at a cost of Rs 313.42 crore.
ii.The Indian Navy has developed an indigenous navigation system and an anti-swarm drone. The Dronaam counter-drone system was displayed at the Swavlamban 2023 exhibition. The new navigation system and anti-swarm drone can form a wall of iron balls around the warships against any drone attack.
About Indian Navy (IN):
Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)– Admiral Radhakrishnan Hari Kumar
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Founded– January 26, 1950
