NAVY 2 LAST

Verma said this was a Herculean task for even the best of
navies, satellite and aerial surveillance.
"Should an adversary manage to evade a plethora of air,
surface and sub-surface escorts and be capable of hitting a
carrier, sinking it or putting a carrier out of action is by
no means easy," he said.
He said the sheer size, build philosophy and damage
control features provided an aircraft carrier an amazing
capacity to absorb damage.
On the huge cost involved in acquiring an aircraft
carrier, Verma said the long range of capability a carrier
provided a nation with during times of peace and war more than
justified the costs.
He said an aircraft carrier provided surveillance cover
in nearly two lakh sq nautical miles of ocean area and the
airspace above.
Asked about the depleting strength of the Navy's
submarine fleet, Verma said at present India had only 16
submarines and the number was likely to go further down due to
decommissioning of some ships in the near future.
"At present, the number is 16 submarines. In the coming
years, some decommissioning will take place," he said.
Noting that India was successful in stretching the life
of not only aircraft carriers, but also other ships, he said
those efforts would continue, as it was found to be an
effective system for upgrades.
On the delay in Scorpene series missiles, the Navy chief
said his force was looking for a second line of production for
the submarine, as there "is a requirement for upping speed" of
construction. PTI