Joining the Eastern Naval Command as a Diving Support Vessel, INS Nistar represents a rare capability for ‘complex deep sea saturation diving and rescue operations,’ according to the Indian Navy, something that very few navies possess. Nistar is one of two Diving Support Vessels (DSVs) ordered from Hindustan Shipyard Limited in 2018, with the second named Nipun. Both DSVs were launched in September 2022.
The frigates, Spanish ESPS Reina Sofia, and Italian ITS Antonio Marceglia are part of EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA and are visiting Mumbai for the first joint exercises of the formation with the Indian Navy, with which they have only conducted “Passing Exercises” (PASSEX) at sea in the past.
Our columnist Mark narrates what transpired at Make In India Week and explains why Make In India cannot work in the defence sector under the existing dispensation.
A helicopter pilot and three divers have been recommended for the award of the Nao Sena Medal for Gallantry this Republic Day.
The armed forces personnel to be awarded for gallantry this Independence Day include Major Mukund Varadarajan, who is being awarded the Ashok Chakra, posthumously.
Indian defense Public Sector Unit, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) signed a contract last week to supply 46 radars to enhance coastal security.
Indian Defense Minister Arackaparambil Kurian Antony will chair a meeting Wednesday of maritime security brass from the navy and the coast guard to assess how an unmanned vessel ran aground near Mumbai last month without being detected by security agencies.
The first batch of Indians evacuated from the strife-torn north African nation of Libya will land here in a special Air India flight close to midnight Saturday, officials said, while three Indian warships set sail to Libya to help in the evacuation of the 18,000 Indians in the country.
“Access to our authorities to persons who have been apprehended by your government in connection with Mumbai terror attack is perhaps the logical next step.”
The Indian Navy says it has increased surveillance patrols, joint coastal security exercises and operations and training of personnel.
