The naval branch of Indian armed forces, Indian Navy secures 7,516 km long ocean border of India. Indian Navy ranks as the 5th largest navy world wide. Indian navy currently has approximately 59,000 personnel on active duty.
The Indian Navy currently operates more than 180 vessels, including the aircraft carrier INS Viraat, along with operational jet fighters.
Though the primary objective of the navy is to secure national maritime borders, India also uses its navy to enhance its international relations through joint exercises, port visits and humanitarian missions, including disaster relief. In recent years, the Indian Navy has undergone extensive modernization and expansion with an intention to increase its capabilities as a recognized blue-water navy.
It is fairly advanced in terms of technology and is in control of one of two Asian aircraft carriers. The ships used in Indian Navy are of Indian and foreign origin as well three ballistic missile submarines are also used from 2010.
Even Indian navy is among one of the six navies in the world with nuclear capabilities. Others in the list include US, Russia, China, France and the UK. In addition it is in command of the BrahMos which is the fastest cruise missile in the world with speeds of 2.8 Mach.
Ranks in Indian Navy:
- Admiral of the Fleet
- Admiral
- Vice Admiral
- Rear Admiral
- Commodore
- Captain
- Commander
- Lieutenant Commander
- Lieutenant
- Sub Lieutenant
- Ensign
The Commander of the Navy is the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), the provision for the rank of Admiral of the Fleet exists, honorary intended for major wartime use and honor. No officer of the Indian Navy has yet been conferred this rank.
The Indian Navy is divided into the following organizations:
- Administration
- Logistics and Material
- Training
- The Fleets
- The Naval Aviation
- The Submarine Arm
CommandsThe Indian Navy has 3 Commands. Each Command is headed by a Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief in the rank of Vice Admiral.
Commands
| HQ Location |
Western Naval Command
| Mumbai |
Eastern Naval Command
| Visakhapatnam |
Southern Naval Command
| Kochi |
BasesIn 2005, the Indian Navy commissioned INS Kadamba at Karwar, 100 km from Goa. This is the third operational naval base after Mumbai and Vishakapatnam and the first to be controlled exclusively by the Navy. (The other bases share port facilities with civilian shipping, but this one is for purely naval use.)
Built under Phase I of the multi-billion dollar 'Project Seabird', it is the largest naval base in the region.
