India's naval prowess to be on full view at International Fleet Review 2016

The prowess and capabilities of the Indian Navy along with Navies of several other countries will be at display at the International Fleet Review 2016 which will be held in Visakhapatnam from February 4 to February 8. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu will attend the event.

The President will review the International Fleet, comprising over 75 battle ships and submarines off Visakhapatnam on February 6, 2016. The Review Anchorage would have an awe-inspiring combination of Naval Warships from Indian Navy as well as frontline Navies from across the globe. In addition, the ships of the Indian Coast Guard and Mercantile Marine would be participating.

After a 21-gun salute and the ceremonial Guard of Honour the President will embark the Presidential Yacht, distinguishable by the Ashoka emblem on her side and flying the President’s Standard on the Mast. The Presidential Yacht will weave through the 70 ships planned to be at anchorage off Visakhapatnam Port. As the President Yacht passes between the review anchor columns, each ship dressed in full regalia, will salute the President.

Picture: Movement of the Presidential Column

In this most formal of naval ceremonies, vessels from all countries are anchored in lines at the precise spot allotted to them. Each ship is manned by her ship’s company, dressed in white ceremonial uniforms. In a moment, white caps are doffed in unison in a grand salutation. The resounding sound of ‘Three Jais’ by the IN ships echoes over the waves symbolising the spirit of camaraderie and bonhomie across the seas.

Picture: The Presidential Yacht. The President alongwith PM & other cabinet ministers shall sail on her.

Along the way, the President will also witness operational demonstrations in the form of a breathtaking flypast by the naval air-arm and a daring display by the elite Marine Commandoes. The skills of the yachtsmen of Navy embodying the spirit of adventure will also be on display. During the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines will carry out a high speed steam past alongside the Presidential Yacht.

Picture: A parade of sails that is due to take place during the review

During the Review, the President will also review the Indian Naval Air Arm. A spectacular flypast led by Rear Admiral PK Bahl, Flag Officer Naval Aviation will be conducted as part of the static review of the Fleet. The flypast will comprise 15 formations of 45 aircraft including two formations from the Indian Coast Guard.

Picture: INS Viraat with her deck full of Fighters and Seaking 42B ASW helicopters

This display will also showcase the latest acquisitions of the Indian Navy such as the carrier borne Strike fighter MIG 29K, Long Range Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft, P8I and the AEW helicopter KM-31.

A Naval Fleet review is a ceremonial and stately inspection of the Naval Warships by the President who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The last International Fleet Review was held off Mumbai in 2001.

Picture: Landing on deck of a moving ship is an art and needs a skilled pilot in the cockpit with a very cool head