Article Posted on : - Sep 10, 2015

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar inspecting the Guard of Honour at the commissioning ceremony of INS 'Vajrakosh', at Karwar, Karnataka on September 09, 2015. A PIB photo

PANAJI (PTI): Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar has commissioned INS Vajrakosh, the latest Indian Navy establishment which will serve as a missile storage and replenishment facility for warships operating in the Western Coast, at Karwar base near Panaji.

Constructed by DRDO at the most strategic location in the West Coast, the naval missile base will store the long-range BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missiles and other armaments.

Speaking on the occasion, Parrikar emphasised the importance of a strong and modern Navy and exhorted the crew to ensure that missiles at INS Vajrakosh remain "ever ready" for operational deployment.

Navy Chief Admiral R K Dhowan noted that Karwar is poised to emerge as the Navy's most significant base on the Western seaface in near future.

"This establishment has some of the most significant naval assets already in service or being inducted. With the ongoing expansion of the Indian Navy, there has been an increase in the number of ships, submarines and aircraft equipped with specialised armament and missiles. These need to be maintained in the best possible manner throughout their service life," he said.

Karwar in Karnataka is poised to emerge as the Indian Navy's premier base on the Western seaboard in the not too distant future. Some of the vital naval assets are planned to be based there, a statement by the Navy said.

Naval units operating out of Karwar are required to be equipped with specialised armaments and missiles. These sophisticated missiles and ammunition require special storage facility and specialised servicing facilities.

INS Vajrakosh will have all the required infrastructure and is manned by specialists to meet these requirements, the statement said.

The commissioning of INS Vajrakosh, the third naval establishment commissioned in Karwar, will allow the Navy to further bolster the offensive and defensive capabilities of its platforms.

Commissioning of INS Vajrakosh on Wednesday has marked the successful completion of a complex and modern project.

"The Minister... expressed confidence that maritime security of our nation is in capable hands and each ship, aircraft and naval personnel stands tall and ready to protect our nation," it added.

Parrikar said it is the task of naval personnel to protect the nation from the enemy and it is "our task to ensure that the interest of all those in the armed forces are taken care of".