Navy chief takes over, aims at arming subs, warships

Admiral Sunil Lanba on Tuesday took over as the new chief of the Indian Navy for the next three years.

Lanba has the task of adequately arming the warships and submarines of the blue water force. 

While 46 ships and submarines are under construction, many of them would not get their main weapons and helicopters in time as shadow of the Agusta VVIP helicopter controversy looms large on several naval acquisition projects, the most immediate of which is the Scorpene class submarines.

Likely to be commissioned by September, the first Scorpene class submarine — to be named INS Kalvari — would not have its Black Shark torpedoes as they are manufactured by a Finmeccanica group firm named Whitehead Alenia Sistemi Subacquei.

Following the Agusta VVIP chopper scam, the Defence Ministry cancelled the WASS contract and asked the Navy to look for alternatives. This would be one of the main tasks of Admiral Lanba as all the six scorpene submarines are likely to be inducted during his tenure.

Several other naval acquisition projects are also in jeopardy as the Defence Ministry made it clear that it would not proceed with any new contract with Finmeccanica group companies till the Indian investigations are over.

These include 127 mm Otomelara main gun for seven warships built under Project-15B (Visakhapatnam class), new choppers to replace the old Sea Kings and electronics from Selex. Soon after taking over from his predecessor Admiral R K Dhowan, Lanba said he would continue with the Navy’s modernisation agenda.

“Over the years, the Navy has turned into a modern and combat-ready force capable of operating in all three dimensions.,” he said.