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US nuke-powered submarine to take part in joint exercise
New Delhi, Sept 17: For the first time in the history of Indian Navy, a US nuclear-powered submarine will participate in a joint exercise in the Arabian Sea off Cochin from October 5 to 10, defence sources said today.
New Delhi, Sept 17: For the first time in the history of Indian Navy, a US nuclear-powered submarine will participate in a joint exercise in the Arabian Sea off Cochin from October 5 to 10, defence sources said today.
Two US warships and a nuclear submarine would join the 'Malabar' series of exercise along with Indian Navy frigates and a German-made 'Shishumar' class HDW submarine.
American maritime surveillance 'P-3-B Orion' and Indian Navy's shore-based reconnaissance planes and helicopters would carry out sorties during the exercise, the second of its kind being held after the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests. The Malabar exercises were stopped after the nuclear tests as the US had imposed sanctions against India which were later lifted. Indo-US naval exercises off Cochin coast were resumed last year.
Russia had loaned to India a nuclear submarine, 'Chakra' in the late eighties but this would be the first time that an American nuclear powered submarine would participate in a joint exercise. Multi-purpose naval frigates from the Bramhaputra and Godavari classes of warships would comprise Indian flotilla.
Interestingly, India has evinced interest in purchase of Orion surveillance planes and a 14-member American naval team led by Captain Robert Beattie met their counterparts here last week and gave a presentation on these reconnaissance aircraft.
The US is offering India the older 'P-3-B Orion' planes but is willing to equip them with the latest avionics and surveillance gadgetry. While the 'B' version Orion airframes are readily available, acquisition of the more modern 'C' version, which is in service with Pakistan Navy, might require more time.
Bureau Report
American maritime surveillance 'P-3-B Orion' and Indian Navy's shore-based reconnaissance planes and helicopters would carry out sorties during the exercise, the second of its kind being held after the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests. The Malabar exercises were stopped after the nuclear tests as the US had imposed sanctions against India which were later lifted. Indo-US naval exercises off Cochin coast were resumed last year.
Russia had loaned to India a nuclear submarine, 'Chakra' in the late eighties but this would be the first time that an American nuclear powered submarine would participate in a joint exercise. Multi-purpose naval frigates from the Bramhaputra and Godavari classes of warships would comprise Indian flotilla.
Interestingly, India has evinced interest in purchase of Orion surveillance planes and a 14-member American naval team led by Captain Robert Beattie met their counterparts here last week and gave a presentation on these reconnaissance aircraft.
The US is offering India the older 'P-3-B Orion' planes but is willing to equip them with the latest avionics and surveillance gadgetry. While the 'B' version Orion airframes are readily available, acquisition of the more modern 'C' version, which is in service with Pakistan Navy, might require more time.
Bureau Report