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VISAKHAPATNAM (PTI): The Indian Navy is well on its way to be a potent world class force, whose strength will be augmented by 46 ships and submarines being added to its fleet this year, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, said on Wednesday.

Addressing naval officers and civilians after unfurling the national flag on the 66th Independence Day, Vice-Admiral Anil Chopra said the year gone by saw the Eastern Naval Command add stealth frigates, a nuclear powered submarine and an unmanned aerial vehicle squadron to its arsenal.

Now it has planned to include 46 more ships and submarines and a large number of aviation assets.

In the near future, the Command will be home to additional strategic platforms, anti-submarine corvettes, P8i long range maritime reconnaissance aircrafts, MiG-29K fighter jets and advanced jet trainers, he said.

The Command has remained in the forefront with the Eastern Fleet leaving footprints all across the Indian Ocean region -- from the Gulf of Aden to the West Pacific, he said.

On the occasion, he urged all those present to stand up to the security challenges faced by the nation.

A ceremonial parade was also held at the Eastern Naval Command parade ground where the Vice-Admiral took the salute.