To meet India's maritime requirements, the government has recently approved a 30-year submarine building programme. This was disclosed by Admiral Madhvendra Singh, Chief of the Naval Staff while addressing media personnel onboard the aircraft carrier INS Viraat in Mumbai.

‘‘This is going to be one of the biggest indigenous defence production programmes of the country. During the first ten years, there will be licensed manufacturing of submarines and subsequently it will be completely indigenous’’, said the Naval Chief. He also disclosed that negotiations were in progress with France and Russia for transfer of technology for manufacturing submarines.

Referring to replacement of Vikrant, Naval Chief felt that India should have three aircraft carriers. One each could be deployed on the east and west coasts and the third undergoing refit and maintenance, he added.

INS Vikrant, the first aircraft carrier of Indian Navy was decommissioned four years ago on January 31, 1997. The ship which played a key role during 1971 Indo-Pak war has now been converted into a maritime museum and anchored off the Gateway of India in Mumbai. About acquisition of Admiral Goreshkov, Admiral Madhvendra Singh said the negotiations are at the advance stage with the Russians and once India and Russia agree on the cost, the deal will be signed.

Earlier, the Naval Chief witnessed air power demonstrations, slithering operations, search and rescue operations, sea harrier rocket firing, Chetak and Seaking demonstrations and Seaking Depth charge drop.