Article Posted on : - Dec 20, 2011

Indian Navy,President

MUMBAI (PTI): Indian Navy has put in place the highest level of security in recent times on the western coast, turning Mumbai into an impenetrable fortress for the 10th President's Fleet Review (PFR) here on Tuesday.

"Navy has put in place the highest level of security for the PFR. The Presidential Column which includes presidential yacht and other VIP vessels will be escorted by two extra fast attack crafts" Navy spokesperson Cdr PVS Satish said. Replying to a question on any threat perception during the event, he said, "All possible security measures will be in place to secure the area.

There will be various layers of security in place along with air surveillance and anti-missile batteries." Navy and Indian coast guard have deployed 15 platforms to guard the Mumbai anchorage area along with round-the-clock air surveillance from INS Shikra.

This is said to be the highest security arrangement by Navy after 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Along with 60 plus naval warships which have come from various naval commands including Andaman and Nicobar, a total of 81 ships are participating in the event which includes fly past by 44 aircraft from Navy and Coast Guard. Each ship will have its own protection and security measure in place to counter any threat, Satish said. Four Union ministers -- Minister for Shipping G K Vasan, Sachin Pilot, Milind Deora (both Ministers of State for Communications and IT) and Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Mukul Wasnik -- and members of Parliamentary Committee on Defence will also attend the event.

President will sail on INS Saubhadra -- a Sukanya class patrol vessel -- to review the fleet which will begin with INS Agray -- an anti-submarine corvette -- offering the first salute to the Commander-in-Chief.