Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is going to be in Mumbai on September 28, to launch three new Naval projects- the commissioning of the second Scorpene submarine INS Khanderi, the first P-17A warship Nilgiri and inauguration of Aircraft Cartier Drydock, in the city.

Enhancing the Indian Navy's combat potential

According to Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar’s address to a press conference on Tuesday, these projects will enhance the Indian Navy's combat potential and help it reach new heights and grow manifold. Speaking about Aircraft Cartier Drydock, he added that it will be the largest dry dock that the Indian Navy will have and will additionally be capable of dry docking Vikramaditya. He also said that these projects are in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship programme SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region).

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'These three projects have got their own significance. Any ship or submarine building activity is indeed a huge challenge. It is a technology challenge and plus the complexity of the platform itself will ensure that there are many MSMEs, companies and others who are involved in ensuring successful completion of the construction', he said, while also adding, 'So, there is some huge plough back effect that flows into our own economy. All people are aware that out of 51 ships which are under construction and various shipyards in and out of the country, 49 out of them are with Indian shipyards. So, these projects are all in line with overarching Make in India program, all demands will be met by the Indian navy's investment in the country'. 

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He further stated that out of the 51 ships which are under construction at various shipyards in and out of the country, 49 are with Indian shipyards. And that this does not only ensure capital expenditure that the Navy spends but also that most of it comes back home.

Singh will stay on INS Vikramaditya before flying back to Delhi

He also informed the media that after the launch of these projects, the Defence Minister, along with his wife,  before flying back to the national capital, will spend a day at sea in INS Vikramaditya. 'On 28 September evening and 29th forenoon, Rajnath Singh with his wife will witness all naval actions including missile action, firing and various exercises of the sea before leaving for Delhi', he said.

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(With ANI inputs)