Karnataka to host third big naval air base

In a bid to strengthen its capability along the western sector, the Indian Navy is to set up its naval air base in Karwar in Karnataka, where Russian- built aircraft carrier Admiral Gorshkov would be stationed. According to navy officials, Karwar naval air base is part of phase II of the Rs10,000 crore Project Seabird and this air base will be used to operate surveillance and fighter aircraft. The base will provide operations for fixed and rotary wing military aircraft.

Navy officials told DNA that besides Admiral Gorshkov (to be named INS Vikramaditya), six Scorpene submarines and other warships will also be stationed in the naval base in the future. The Indian Navy  expects the delivery of INS Vikramaditya in early 2013.

“With the approval of ministry of defence, Karwar naval air base will be operationalised soon,” a senior navy official told DNA.

According to navy officials, the Karwar base would be the third such major base of the Indian Navy and is being strengthened at a time when Pakistan is developing ports with the help of the Chinese. It will also provide strategic depth to its maritime force bedsides decongesting its base in Mumbai, which has seen a significant increase in merchant shipping.

The Navy’s air base is in Goa where the MiG 29K and Sea Harrier fighter aircrafts are stationed.