Operational Demonstration of IFR 2016 a full success

The eleventh Fleet Review comprising naval warships from Indian as well as frontline foreign navies took place February 6, 2016.

After a 21-Gun salute and ceremonial Guard of Honour, President and the Supreme Commander of the armed forces of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, embarked INS Sumitra, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) designated as the ‘Presidential Yacht’.

On leaving harbor, the President’s Yacht weaved through the 70 ships at anchorage off Visakhapatnam port. A fly-past was conducted as a part of the static review of the Fleet. During the final stage of the review, a mobile column of warships and submarines carried out high speed steam past alongside the Presidential yacht.

Addressing the Fleet during the Review, the President said that IFR 2016, while showcasing the prowess of the Indian Navy, has brought together navies from across the globe here on Indian shores, signifying the common desire to use the seas to promote peace, cooperation and friendship, as also to develop partnerships for a secure maritime future.

In addition to 65 Indian Naval warships and three IN Submarines, the Review also included 24 foreign ships, two ships from the Indian Coast Guard and three from Mercantile Marine.

As the presidential yacht passed between the review anchor columns, each ship dressed in full regalia, saluted the President. Each ship was manned by her ship’s company, dressed in white ceremonial uniform.

Along the way, the Hon’ble President also witnessed demonstrations in the form of fly-past by Naval Air Arm and a display by the elite Marine Commandos. The fly-past comprised 15 formations of 45 aircraft including two formations from the Indian Coast Guard. It also showcased the latest acquisitions of the Indian Navy such as MiG 29K, Long Range MR aircraft P8I and AEW helicopter KM-31.