With Indian ocean emerging as a vital zone for global oil movement as well as trade, the Indian Navy has placed orders for 32 new ships for augmenting its fleet strength in the region in a strategic manner.

It is also planning to lease a nuclear-powered submarine from Russia for three years and procuring new long range reconnaissance planes to have a handle over a vast stretch ranging from the west coast of Africa to South East Asia and Australia.

The Navy, sources said, hopes to award a contract for procurement of long range maritime reconnaissance aircraft to the selected vendor in 2007-08. Both USA and Russia are in contention. 

A decision on the vendor selection in accordance with the new defence procurement procedure will be taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security after the technical specifications are met.

If the finance begins to flow in the current fiscal, the navy hopes to have these aircraft that can fly continuously for six hours, within four years.

The 32 ships ordered by the navy to Indian dockyards include fast attack craft, anti-submarine warfare corvettes, destroyers, survey and offshore patrol vessels and indigenous stealth frigates.

Scorpene submarines
In addition, six Scorpene submarines and an indigenous air craft carrier are under constructions. The Navy currently has 49 ships, 16 submarines and 119 aircraft, which includes the helicopters.

A deal with the Russians to lease an Akula class submarine for three years is also in the final stage. The Russian nuclear submarine – likely to join the Indian fleet once again after a gap of almost 20 years following the footsteps of INS Chakra – will be used to train the sailors and officers how to deal with a nuclear submarine.
Admitting that its Sea Harrier fighter strength is depleting, navy officers said that they were looking at alternatives including the naval version of the light combat aircraft.

But another naval warhorse, the Sea King helicopters will be upgraded soon for which a request for proposal is being finalised.

The IL-38 aircraft are being refitted with Sea Dragon radar, which will provide the navy with capabilities for spotting submarines.

While refitting has been done for two aircraft, work is underway for another three, they said.
Moreover, Indian navy has undertaken an initiative of creating a regional alliance of navies from the Indian Ocean rim countries.

The navy chiefs from more than 35 countries will meet here in February to kick start the grouping.