Mishaps dented Indian Navy’s image, we will come back fit: Navy chief Robin K Dhowan

Visakhapatnam: Newly appointed Chief of Naval Staff, Robin K Dhowan, acknowledged that some mishaps have dented Indian Navy’s image but the need of the hour is to start building the force again. In his maiden visit to the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) Visakhapatnam on Wednesday, Dhowan interacted with mediapersons, saying he has taken charge in tough times and the whole of Navy staff should work hard to make a fitting comeback.

Dhowan said, “India will focus to strengthen its indigenous capabilities to secure maritime interest and the warship building programme under Project-28 (P-28) must meet Navy’s requirements.”

He said, “The Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) Corvette designed for Indian Navy under P-28 by the Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design is being built by one of India’s leading shipbuilder, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Kolkata and 47 ships and submarines are under construction at GRSE and four ships will join ENC soon.”

“Navy will soon acquire the Anti Submarine Warfare (AWW) platforms that would be stealthy enough to destroy lurking enemy submarines,” he added.

Speaking about India’s first indigenously build nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, INS Arihant, Dhowan said Arihant will be going for sea trials very soon.

Dhowan reviewed a ceremonial parade held at INS circars parade ground and inspected the platoons of Naval and DSC personnel drawn from various ships and establishments of the Command.