Second phase of modernisation to start at Karwar naval base

New Delhi: The second phase of modernisation of the Indian Navy's Karwar naval base will soon be put before the Union cabinet.

"The naval base at Karwar has become operational. The second phase of the project has been approved by me and it will soon be cleared by the union cabinet," defence minister AK Antony said today while addressing the three-day commander's conference of the Indian Navy.

Stressing that the second phase of the Karwar naval base must be pursued vigorously, he said the navy must synergise its efforts with the stakeholders to maximise maritime security. "The next phase of the project must now be pursued vigorously. The efforts of the navy in developing support infrastructure in our island territories must be in synergy with other stakeholders to maximise our maritime security," he said.

Observing that the modernisaton of navy has been going apace, Antony said the objective of the defence shipyards must be to remain competitive and to rank among the best in the world. "The modernisation of the navy has been going on apace. The navy had inducted stealth frigates INS Satpura, tanker Shakti and three Fast Attack Crafts and Fast Interceptor Crafts. Our shipyards must develop and expand rapidly and adopt the latest best practice," he said.