Kendrapada has become a focal point of remembrance as India commemorates its 53rd Navy Day with tales of valor and heroism from the 1971 war. Sanatan Sahu, a 75-year-old veteran and a living testament to the bravery displayed during this critical period, shared his poignant recollections of Operation Trident. This operation, carried out on December 4, 1971, played a pivotal role in altering the landscape of naval warfare in South Asia and inflicted a devastating blow on Pakistani naval capabilities.

Sahu, a former signalman aboard INS Kiltan, recalls the operation with vivid detail and nostalgia, as he describes the night it unfolded. “We left Bombay harbour under the cover of darkness. By 3 a.m., we were positioned near Karachi port, ready to deliver what would become one of India’s most decisive naval strikes,” he reminisced. The operation was launched as a direct response to Pakistan’s air strikes on Indian airfields in Punjab, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.

The aftermath of the operation was extraordinary, with Sahu recalling, “Karachi burned for seven days. We destroyed their minesweepers, destroyers, and ammunition cargo vessels. The fuel storage tanks went up in flames—we watched it all from our ship’s deck.” With Commander B B Yadav at the helm, Operation Trident not only showcased India’s increasing naval prowess but also established a new precedent in maritime warfare. The resounding success of this mission ultimately led to the establishment of Navy Day on December 4, a date commemorating India’s naval achievements.

Sahu, who devoted two decades of his life to the Indian Navy from 1967 to 1987, considers this operation the crowning achievement of his service. After hanging up his uniform, he transitioned to a career with Syndicate Bank until 2009. Today, Sahu lives in Madhapur village with his family, who hold him in high regard for his contributions as a wartime hero. “All my children are proud of my status as a war hero,” he stated, underscoring the personal impact of his service on his family and community.

Despite his recognition, Sahu expressed concern over the untold stories of many veterans who served alongside him. He believes their sacrifices are often overlooked and fading from collective memory. “Many of my fellow veterans’ stories remain untold,” he lamented, advocating for greater acknowledgment of their contributions to the nation.

Reflecting on the broader implications of Operation Trident and the subsequent war, Sahu emphasized the historical significance of the liberation of Bangladesh. This event not only reshaped the political landscape of the region but also posed a direct challenge to the two-nation theory that underpinned the creation of Pakistan in 1947. The conflict concluded with Pakistan’s surrender on December 16, 1971, a momentous occasion whose repercussions continue to influence South Asian geopolitics today.

As Kendrapada joins in honoring the legacy of Navy Day, the memories shared by veterans like Sanatan Sahu serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the lessons learned through the crucible of war, ensuring that the tales of valor are neither forgotten nor diminished with time.

India’s maritime frontier is experiencing a significant technological revolution that promises to reshape its naval capabilities. As one of the world’s rapidly growing economies, India is increasingly focusing on self-reliance and innovation in its maritime strategy, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

The Indian Navy, responsible for safeguarding the country’s extensive coastline and vital sea routes, is evolving into a more advanced and agile force. This transformation aligns with the central government’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ or Self-Reliant India, driving enhanced naval capabilities to confront both present and future maritime challenges.

Technological advancements, spanning from artificial intelligence (AI) to cyber security and indigenous innovation, play a crucial role in the navy’s modernization efforts. With over 90% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value passing through the seas, the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is a critical component of national security. However, this region faces numerous challenges, including piracy, territorial disputes, and escalating cyber threats, compounded by geopolitical tensions arising from China’s growing naval presence.

In response, the Indian Navy is undergoing a comprehensive modernization, underpinned by technological innovation. Key to this strategy is the integration of AI into its operations. The navy’s combat management system has been significantly enhanced through AI, enabling real-time processing of vast amounts of data from various sensors. This development allows for quicker threat detection and response, enhancing situational awareness and operational effectiveness.

AI also plays a vital role in predictive maintenance of naval equipment, reducing mission downtime by monitoring the health of machinery and forecasting potential failures. This proactive approach ensures that naval vessels remain fully operational during extensive patrols, further strengthening India’s maritime security framework.

Moreover, the navy is harnessing AI for maritime surveillance, analyzing satellite imagery and drone data to monitor activities such as illegal fishing and unauthorized intrusions. Such capabilities greatly improve situational awareness, allowing the navy to address both conventional and asymmetric threats decisively.

Unmanned systems are redefining the operational strategy of the Indian Navy. The introduction of autonomous platforms, like the Neerakshi autonomous underwater vehicle developed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, exemplifies this shift. Designed for underwater reconnaissance and mine detection, these unmanned vehicles enhance the navy’s intelligence and surveillance capabilities without putting personnel at risk. Similarly, the Autonomous Fast Interceptor Boat (AFIB) offers high-speed patrolling capabilities while operating autonomously, improving monitoring of key maritime chokepoints.

As the navy develops its capabilities, the use of drone swarms and unmanned aerial systems is expanding, allowing for effective, low-cost surveillance and reconnaissance. These advanced technologies aim to create a versatile naval force capable of operations across surface, air, and underwater domains.

Communication technologies are also advancing within the Indian Navy, with deployments of Software-Defined Radios (SDRs) enabling secure, real-time communication across varying frequency bands. The introduction of the Link II Next Generation data link system ensures high-speed data transfer among vessels, facilitating seamless, network-centric operations and coordinated responses to emerging threats.

Another effort demonstrating the navy’s commitment to innovation is the Swavlamban initiative, which showcases new technologies developed through collaborations with Indian startups and MSMEs. The event featured over 75 new defense products, focusing on autonomous systems, AI, and military communications, reflecting the navy’s drive for indigenization and innovation.

Cyber security remains a priority, given the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure in naval operations. The navy’s Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment has developed advanced encryption tools to secure its communications, with future investments in quantum-safe algorithms poised to protect against next-generation threats.

Despite these advancements, the Indian Navy faces challenges, including the need for robust policy support and funding to scale up the production of advanced technologies. Additionally, training personnel to operate and maintain these sophisticated systems is crucial, as the complexity of AI and automation demands specialized expertise.

Looking forward, the Indian Navy’s technological transformation encapsulates its alignment with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ vision. By fostering a culture of innovation and integrating cutting-edge technologies, the navy aims to secure India’s maritime interests while positioning itself as a formidable power in the global arena.

The journey toward modernization and self-reliance is ongoing, with the Indian Navy setting benchmarks for maritime forces worldwide. Through its commitment to innovation and strategic foresight, the navy is not only strengthening defense capabilities but also ensuring India’s influential presence in an increasingly complex maritime environment across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.

The Indian Navy is set to enhance its operational capabilities with the introduction of a new class of large replenishment vessels known as Fleet Support Ships (FSS). To support this program, Kongsberg Maritime has signed a significant contract with Hindustan Shipbuilding Limited for the supply of electric replenishment-at-sea (RAS) equipment.

The Fleet Support Ships, totaling five in number, are designed to bolster the Indian Navy’s logistical capabilities during extended naval missions. The high-tech electric RAS systems provided by Kongsberg Maritime will facilitate quicker, safer, and more reliable supply operations at sea. These enhancements are crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and safety, especially during long missions where continuous supply lines are vital.

Kongsberg Maritime’s President, Lisa Edvardsen Haugan, expressed enthusiasm over the contract, noting its significance to the company and the Indian Navy. “To have secured the contract to supply our electric Replenishment-at-Sea systems to the Indian Navy’s Fleet Support Ships programme is significant for Kongsberg Maritime, and we are delighted to have been selected for this major shipbuilding programme,” Haugan stated.

She further added that the RAS technology has proven essential for numerous global navies, emphasizing its capability to improve mission readiness. The development of the electric system is seen as a sustainable and responsive solution that extends the operational range of naval vessels. Haugan conveyed optimism about the partnership with Hindustan Shipbuilding Limited and the ongoing collaboration with the Indian Navy as they look to expand their fleet capabilities.

The agreement marks a notable step in the evolution of the Indian Navy’s logistical framework and its ability to operate more effectively and sustainably in a maritime environment.

Srinagar, India – The Harwan area of Srinagar is under heightened security following a fierce gunfight between terrorists and a joint team comprising the Indian Army and Jammu & Kashmir Police. The area has been cordoned off, with all access roads blocked to maintain civilian safety and conduct ongoing operations effectively.

The operation commenced in the early hours of December 2, after receiving specific intelligence that indicated the presence of militants in the upper reaches of the Dachigam Forest. A coordinated search operation involving the Rashtriya Rifles, the Special Operations Group of the J&K Police, and the Central Reserve Police Force’s Quick Action Team was displayed at the forefront of this tactical endeavor.

During the encounter, security forces successfully eliminated Junaid Ramzan Bhat, a senior commander of the militant organization Lashkar-e-Taiba. Bhat had gained notoriety for masterminding the Z-Morh tunnel attack, which resulted in the tragic deaths of seven civilians. The Z-Morh tunnel, considered a crucial infrastructure project, facilitates year-round access between Kangan town and the popular Sonamarg tourist destination while bypassing the avalanche-prone Gagangir region. His removal from the operational landscape is regarded as a significant victory for security forces, not only due to his direct involvement in terror acts but also because of his attempts to undermine both civilian life and essential infrastructure progress in the area.

The Indian Army’s Chinar Corps has issued a statement confirming the ongoing operation, noting, “Op Dachigam, Srinagar on 02 Dec 2024; based on specific intelligence input, a Joint Operation was launched by the Indian Army & Jammu Kashmir Police at upper reaches Dachigam Forest, Srinagar. During the search, initial contact was established. Operation is in progress.” The authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, performing combing operations in the area to ensure that no further threats are present.

The Z-Morh tunnel, extending 6.412 kilometers, serves not only as a pivotal link to Sonamarg but also bolsters strategic logistical access to Ladakh. This vital infrastructure has attracted the attention of terrorist factions aiming to disrupt connectivity and hinder developmental initiatives in the region.

The operation in Harwan is part of a broader series of counter-terrorism measures implemented by the Indian Army’s Northern Command in collaboration with the CRPF and Jammu & Kashmir Police. Their strategic focus aims to neutralize high-value targets, dismantle terrorist networks, and safeguard ongoing infrastructure development critical to the region’s progress. Continued updates are expected as operation efforts unfold.