Shri Ram Nath Kovind, India’s President and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, reviewed the Indian Navy Fleet at Visakhapatnam on February 21. During the 12th edition of the President’s Fleet Review 2022, which was also held as part of the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence being celebrated as ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ the Indian Navy showcased its latest state-of-the-art indigenously built combat platforms with the theme ’75 years in Service of the Nation.’
The President boarded the Presidential boat, INS Sumitra, an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel designated as the Presidential yacht, following a 21-gun salute and Ceremonial Guard of Honour. The President was greeted by Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar. The Yacht passed by 44 ships from the Navy, Coast Guard, SCI, and MoES, which were lined up in four columns off the coast of Visakhapatnam, displaying the country’s maritime might.
As part of the Fleet’s static review, a stunning flypast was performed. A mobile column of warships and submarines performed a high-speed steam pass alongside the Presidential yacht during the final phase of the review. The guests were mesmerised by a variety of thrilling waterfront activities such as the Parade of Sails, Search and Rescue Demonstration at Sea, Aerobatics by Hawk aircraft, and the elite Marine Commandos perform water parachute jumps (MARCOS).
As the presidential yacht sailed through the review columns, each ship saluted the President with the traditional “Three Jais” as a show of unwavering commitment to the country and the Supreme Commander.
A composite flypast with 55 aircraft, including Chetaks, ALH, Sea Kings, KAMOVs, Dorniers, IL-38SD, P8I, Hawks, and MiG 29K, was also seen by the Hon’ble President.
During the Review, the Hon’ble President stated that the Indian Navy’s persistent vigilance, swift response to occurrences, and relentless efforts have been very successful in ensuring the safety of the seas and maritime commons, which are essential to our trade and energy needs. The President expressed his delight at the Indian Navy’s rising self-sufficiency and role as a leader in the ‘Make in India’ effort.
He pointed out that indigenous materials make up over 70% of the contents of multiple warships and submarines now being built in public and private shipyards across the country. He stated that building nuclear submarines is a source of tremendous pride for India, and that our indigenously built aircraft carrier, ‘Vikrant,’ will shortly enter service. He went on to say that developing indigenous naval shipbuilding capability is an important step in creating a ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’
President’s Fleet Review was followed by the release of an unique First Day Cover and a commemorative stamp by the Hon’ble President in the presence of Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of Communication Shri Devusinh J Chauhan.
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