The Indian Navy’s premier naval air station, INS Rajali, located in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, recently hosted Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for a comprehensive review of the Navy’s operational preparedness and capabilities. The visit highlighted the strategic importance of INS Rajali, home to the Navy’s P-8I Poseidon aircraft, known for their advanced maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
During the visit, the Defence Minister was briefed on the Navy’s efforts to enhance maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its focus on countering emerging threats. He reviewed live demonstrations of advanced systems, including long-range surveillance missions and electronic warfare techniques, showcasing the Navy’s state-of-the-art technological capabilities.
The Defence Minister also interacted with naval personnel and praised their dedication to safeguarding India’s maritime interests. He reiterated the government’s commitment to modernizing the armed forces under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiative, emphasizing the importance of indigenous defense production for enhancing operational readiness.
INS Rajali’s critical role in India’s naval strategy was underscored, with discussions focusing on bolstering anti-submarine warfare capabilities, maritime domain awareness, and readiness for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations. The review reinforced India’s commitment to maintaining strategic dominance in the Indo-Pacific region and ensuring the safety of vital sea lanes of communication.