NewDelhi June 25 :Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took stock of the works taken up under Project Seabird-2 A, the country’s largest naval infrastructure project, at the naval base here on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Rajnath, who flew from Goa in a helicopter, took an aerial survey of the naval base before landing at Kadamba helipad. The Defence minister was accompanied by the Chief of the Naval staff of the Indian Navy Karambir Singh during the review of naval infrastructure.<\/p>\n
The naval base officers briefed Rajnath on various facilities including the ship lifting and docking system and the environment-friendly facilities at the newly constructed residential complex for the staff.<\/p>\n
The minister also reviewed the capabilities and operational readiness of the fleet and naval staff.<\/p>\n
Rajnath interacted with the project contractors, engineers, naval officers and civil workers, stated a press release issued by the Indian Navy.<\/p>\n
Addressing the Indian Navy officers, Rajnath said India should aim to be among the top three naval powers in the world in the next 10 to 12 years.<\/p>\n
The Project Seabird will add teeth to the Indian Navy. It will also strengthen the country’s trade, economy and humanitarian assistance, Rajnath said adding he would try and get additional budget allocation for infrastructure development at the ‘Asia’s biggest naval base’.<\/p>\n
Atmanirbhar defence<\/p>\n
Under the Atmanirbhar campaign, about 68% of defence products and weapon systems are being made in India. Of the 48 ships and submarines, 40 are being manufactures in the domestic shipyards. Also the homegrown aircraft carrier Vikrant is expected to be inducted into Indian Navy by next year during which India will celebrate its 75th Independence Day, Rajnath said.<\/p>\n
The Karwar naval base is poised to become the Asia’s biggest naval base. Under the Project Seabird-2, a 3,000 feet long runway, hangars for aircraft and docking space for 30 warships will come up at the naval base.<\/p>\n