New Delhi, December 03: Indian Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba today stressed on the modernisation of the force. Addressing a press conference ahead of the Naval Day on December 4, Admiral Lanba said that the strength of the Indian Navy has improved a lot after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. The Naval chief also supported the central government’s ‘make in India’ campaign. He said that the navy would soon induct 32 indigenously built ships.

Speaking about new aircraft carrier Vikrant, Admiral Lanba said that the trials were going on in third and final stage in Kochi. Meanwhile, the navy will also induct six new submarines and the trials of second-class scorpion submarine have also been completed. The Indian Navy has also ordered the purchase of 24 multi-role helicopters under the Foreign Military Sales route to fulfil the shortage of naval helicopter fleet. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba to Visit Russia to Strengthen Defence Co-operation

While speaking on India Navy’s role in stopping piracy, Admiral Lanba said, “As regards our commitment to thwarting piracy in the Gulf of Aden, Navy remains committed to curbing this global menace. Since 2008, 70 Indian naval warships have been deployed, which safely escorted over 3440 ships with over 25,000 mariners on board.” He further added that so far the Indian Navy has thwarted 44 piracy attempts & apprehended 120 pirates.

Meanwhile, the Defence Acquisition Committee (DAC) on Saturday approved the procurement of Rs 3,000 including Brahmos missiles for the two naval frigates which are to be built by Russia. Recently, India signed two separate deals with Russia to procure four ‘Project 1135.6’ frigates. Out of the four frigates, two will be built at Goa Shipyard Limited with the transfer of technology.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 03, 2018 02:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).