CHANDIGARH, Sep 12: In a landmark move to fortify its maritime defenses, India is set to commission INS Aravali, the first naval base in Haryana, strategically located amidst the scenic Aravali hills in Gurugram. The inauguration will be presided over by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi, marking a significant step in enhancing India’s vigilance over the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
INS Aravali is designed to serve as a nerve center for maritime domain awareness (MDA), equipped with state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics systems. These advanced technologies will enable real time tracking of every vessel in the Indian Ocean, providing precise data on their locations and movements, within seconds. The base’s sophisticated systems can swiftly identify potential threats, such as enemy ships, submarines, or suspicious activities, relaying critical information to the Navy’s command centers for rapid response.
Supported by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) GSAT-7R satellite, INS Aravali will strengthen the Indian Navy’s communication and command infrastructure. This integration ensures seamless coordination and enhances the Navy’s ability to maintain a robust information and communication network across its operations.
A standout feature of INS Aravali is its connectivity to a network of 43 multinational centers across 25 countries, including key partners like the United States, France, Japan, Australia, and the United Kingdom. This global data sharing framework will provide continuous live feeds, enabling India to monitor maritime activities comprehensively and collaborate swiftly with allies during emergencies. This international linkage positions INS Aravali as a pivotal hub for fostering maritime security cooperation.
INS Aravali will play a critical role in curbing illegal activities in the Indian Ocean, including piracy, terrorism, human trafficking, drug smuggling, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Its AI driven systems can differentiate between friendly and suspicious vessels, ensuring the Navy remains updated on potential threats at all times. This capability will significantly enhance India’s ability to maintain order and security in one of the world’s most vital maritime regions, through which 80% of global oil and 75% of maritime trade pass.
The Indian Ocean’s strategic importance cannot be overstated, serving as a lifeline for global trade and energy supplies. Amid rising regional activities, particularly from nations like China, INS Aravali will reinforce India’s dominance in the IOR, providing a tactical advantage in safeguarding national and international interests. The base’s establishment underscores India’s commitment to securing its maritime borders and maintaining regional stability.
Named after the historic Aravali mountain range, which has historically shielded India from western invasions, INS Aravali carries symbolic weight. Its location in Gurugram, surrounded by hills and forests, ensures natural security while offering proximity to Delhi and excellent airport connectivity. This strategic positioning enhances operational efficiency and accessibility.
Currently, the base houses the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC), a key node in the Navy’s NC3I (Navy Command, Control, Communication, and Intelligence) network. Following its commissioning, INS Aravali will transform into a multi agency National Maritime Domain Awareness (NMDA) center, integrating personnel from various national security and intelligence agencies. The Indian Navy will assume full responsibility for the NMDA project, further centralizing its role in maritime security.
While the existing Information Fusion Centre Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) serves as a maritime information hub, INS Aravali is set to surpass it with cutting edge technology. Unlike its predecessor, the new base will leverage advanced AI and analytics to provide unparalleled real time surveillance and response capabilities, setting a new benchmark for maritime security operations.
The commissioning of INS Aravali marks a pivotal moment in India’s defense strategy, blending modern technology with strategic foresight. By establishing this advanced naval base, India not only strengthens its maritime security but also cements its position as a key player in the Indian Ocean Region. As the Navy prepares to unveil this state-of-the-art facility, INS Aravali stands as a testament to India’s resolve to protect its waters and contribute to global maritime stability.
(UNI)
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