Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new State-of-the-Art Admin-cum-Training building of the Naval War College in Goa today, marking a historic milestone in India’s naval education and strategic preparedness.

Named ‘Chola’ in tribute to the illustrious maritime empire of the Chola dynasty, the modern edifice stands as a beacon of India’s maritime heritage and its aspirations as a global maritime power.

Established in 1988 as the College of Naval Warfare at INS Karanja, the institution was rechristened as the Naval War College in 2010 and relocated to its current premises in Goa in 2011.

With a vision to become the pre-eminent institution for higher military education, the Naval War College is dedicated to preparing officers of the Armed Forces for leadership roles at the strategic and operational levels.

The ‘Chola’ building, designed to inspire and facilitate advanced academic instruction, research, and wargaming, pays homage to the Chola dynasty’s maritime prowess.

Its central foyer boasts a stunning tiled mural depicting Rajendra Chola’s legendary expedition to the Srivijaya Empire in 1025 CE, underscoring India’s historical maritime influence and resurgence as a maritime power in the contemporary era.

Constructed in accordance with the GRIHA-III norms, the ‘Chola’ building embodies sustainability and energy efficiency principles. Key features include in-house utilization of excavated soil for environmental development, rainwater harvesting capacity exceeding 10 lakh litres, and 100KW solar power generation.

Notably, the building’s design philosophy prioritizes environmental preservation, as evidenced by its integration around a century-old Banyan tree, symbolizing India’s commitment to harmonizing progress with nature.

Strategically situated overlooking the colonial fort of the Portuguese at Reis Magos, the ‘Chola’ building serves as a powerful emblem of India’s determination to transcend its colonial legacy.

It also serves as a poignant reminder of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s enduring maxim, ‘Jalameva Yasya, Balameva Tasya’ (He who controls the sea is all powerful), resonating with future military leaders and affirming India’s maritime aspirations.

The inauguration of the ‘Chola’ building heralds a new chapter in India’s naval education and strategic foresight. As the Naval War College continues to evolve as a Centre of Excellence for Wargaming and Arctic Studies, it remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing future military leaders and advancing India’s maritime interests in alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘SAGAR’ (Security And Growth for All in the Region).

The coastline of Kochi is poised to witness a monumental moment in Indian naval history as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commissions the MH 60R Seahawk multi-role helicopter into the fleet of the Indian Navy at INS Garuda on March 6.

This induction marks a significant milestone in enhancing the Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) capabilities of the Indian Navy, reinforcing its commitment to maritime security and defence.

The acquisition of the MH 60R Seahawk helicopters stems from a deal signed between the Indian government and the United States of America in February 2020, paving the way for the procurement of 24 fourth-generation helicopters.

With six helicopters already delivered to the Indian Navy, the forthcoming commissioning ceremony heralds a new era of airborne supremacy and operational readiness.

Speaking to PTI, Navy officials underscored the transformative impact of these helicopters on India’s maritime prowess. Detailing the capabilities of the MH 60R, officials highlighted its versatility in ASW, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue operations, medical evacuation, and vertical replenishment, among others.

The integration of these helicopters into the Indian Navy is poised to revolutionize surveillance capabilities, enabling a larger surveillance bubble and enhancing operational effectiveness.

Moreover, the MH 60R Seahawk is equipped with advanced weaponry, including torpedoes, missiles, and precision kill weapon system rockets, augmenting its combat capabilities and versatility in diverse operational scenarios.

Lieutenant Commandant Aneesh Ayarotil, a trained pilot of the MH 60R, emphasized the self-protection suite onboard, comprising Chaff and Infrared Flares, which enhance the helicopter’s survivability against incoming threats.

With a robust data link system, the MH 60R Seahawk ensures seamless interoperability with Indian and friendly foreign platforms, facilitating real-time information exchange and enhancing operational coordination. Its deployment during the multinational MILAN exercise underscores its interoperability and readiness for collaborative operations in the maritime domain.

The MH 60R Seahawk stands as the sole helicopter in the Indian Navy equipped with self-defence capabilities against incoming threats. Lieutenant Commandant Aneesh Ayarotil highlighted the deployment of flares and chaffs to counter heat-seeking and radar-homing missiles, underscoring the helicopter’s resilience in hostile environments.

The rigorous training imparted to pilots and observers, coupled with the operational integration of the MH 60R Seahawk with INS Vikrant, reflects the Indian Navy’s unwavering commitment to operational excellence and readiness. As the helicopters undergo final testing and integration, officials anticipate a seamless transition to operational deployments, further enhancing India’s maritime security architecture.

The commissioning of the MH 60R Seahawk helicopter marks a watershed moment in India’s naval aviation capabilities, reaffirming the nation’s resolve to safeguard its maritime interests and uphold security in the Indo-Pacific region.

As the Indian Navy continues to modernize its fleet and enhance operational readiness, the MH 60R Seahawk emerges as a formidable asset, poised to chart new frontiers in maritime dominance and strategic deterrence.

The shores of Visakhapatnam witness the dynamic spectacle of maritime cooperation as Exercise Samudra Laksamana unfolds its third edition from February 28 to March 2, 2024.

Indian Naval Ship Kiltan and Royal Malaysian Ship KD Lekir converge in the Bay of Bengal for this joint exercise, aimed at fostering camaraderie and enhancing interoperability between the Indian and Royal Malaysian Navies.

The exercise encompasses a comprehensive program spanning both harbour and sea phases, facilitating professional interactions, subject matter expert exchanges, and collaborative operations at sea. At the heart of Exercise Samudra Laksamana lies the shared commitment of both navies to bolster regional maritime security and strengthen bilateral ties.

In the initial harbour phase, the crews of INS Kiltan and KD Lekir engage in a myriad of professional interactions, including Subject Matter Expert Exchanges on topics of mutual interest.

These exchanges serve as platforms for sharing best practices, exchanging knowledge, and fostering deeper cooperation on maritime matters. Additionally, sporting fixtures and cultural exchanges further enrich the experience, fostering bonds beyond professional realms.

Transitioning to the operational phase at sea, both units embark on a series of joint exercises aimed at honing operational skills and enhancing coordination in various maritime scenarios.

From anti-piracy drills to search and rescue operations, the sea phase of Exercise Samudra Laksamana serves as a crucible for testing and refining naval capabilities in a collaborative environment.

Exercise Samudra Laksamana holds strategic significance as it reinforces the enduring partnership between the Indian and Royal Malaysian Navies. By promoting interoperability and mutual understanding, the exercise contributes to the collective efforts to ensure maritime security and stability in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Rear Admiral Amit Saxena, Flag Officer Commanding Eastern Fleet, reiterated the importance of exercises like Samudra Laksamana in strengthening maritime partnerships and fostering a secure maritime domain. He emphasized the shared commitment of both navies towards upholding maritime norms and promoting regional stability.

The successful conduct of Exercise Samudra Laksamana underscores the commitment of both India and Malaysia towards fostering a peaceful and prosperous maritime environment in the Indo-Pacific region.

As the exercise draws to a close, the bonds forged and lessons learned will continue to resonate, paving the way for deeper cooperation and friendship between the Indian and Royal Malaysian Navies in the years to come.