INDIAN MARITIME BOUNDARIES HAVE NO AIR SUPPORT FOR THE TIME BEING

Indian Navy has created uproar by grounding the entire fleet of Sea Harriers aboard INS VIRAAT, rendering its only aircraft carrier without the support of air power. The decision has been taken following the crash of one its aircraft at Goa. Court of enquiry has been ordered and any decision, whatsoever, would be taken based on the recommendations of the same. This is in the backdrop of INS VIRAAT, herself getting operational for atleast 5 years more after an 18 months of maintenance. It is also pertinent to mention that the INDIAN NAVY is left with only 10 Sea Harriers out of 20, procured in the mid-eighties from Britain. The loss is due to accidents and wear and tear.

The aircraft were recently upgraded for another five years due to the constant delay of DRDO and HAL coming out with Naval version of Light Combat Aircraft. Navy also plans to replace the Sea Harriers with MIG 29K, procured from Russia along with Aircraft Carrier Admiral Gorkshov in 2004 at a cost of $1.5-billion. Almost five years down the line, the deal is yet see its execution. It might be available in 2013. The 40000-tonne indigenous aircraft carrier (IAC), being built at Cochin Shipyard, will also be ready only by 2015-2016 The Russian Aircraft Carrier rated as one of the finest floating machine by the INDIAN NAVY is perhaps the most outdated Aircraft Carrier of Russia. This Carrier was almost on the verge of being decommissioned from the fleet of Russian Navy before it was finally purchased by India.

An Era of global terrorism where our maritime boarders have been exploited by adversaries to the maximum; this is a real jolt. Our leaders needs to give an explanation to the country as to why they have failed in working out contigencies. The Navy, too, share the responsibility.