Sitharaman takes stock of naval preparedness

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman poses for a photo from the cockpit of an MiG 29K and (right) is seen with Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba (2R), Vice Admiral Girish Luthra (2L), Rear Admiral RB Pandit (L) and CO Vikramaditya Capt Ajay Kochhar, on board INS Vikramaditya.

The Minister reviewed the Navy’s maritime prowess and presided over a show of naval might, off the western coast. More than 10 warships, including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, three submarines and other aircraft carriers, participated in operational manoeuvres.

Sitharaman said the Navy is “fully capable” of defending the country against any threat. She also presided over multiple complex naval operations, including air interceptions, missile, gun and rocket firing, ship-to-ship replenishment, night flying and anti-submarine warfare. PTI