International Fleet Review 2016

International Fleet Review 2016

Logo adopted by the Indian Navy for IFR 2016
Duration 5 days
Date 4–8 February 2016 (2016-02-04 – 2016-02-08)
Venue Eastern Naval Command
Location Vishakapatnam,  India
Coordinates 17°41′45″N 83°16′51″E / 17.695811°N 83.280709°E / 17.695811; 83.280709Coordinates: 17°41′45″N 83°16′51″E / 17.695811°N 83.280709°E / 17.695811; 83.280709
Also known as IFR 2016
Type Military exercise
Theme United Through Oceans
Patron(s) Government of India
Organised by Indian Navy
Participants
Trailer IFR 2016 Theme Song on Youtube
Press Ad GWAW15001898_IFR Press Ad PDF
Publication Ahoy IFR 2016 PDF
Website IFR 2016 Indian Navy Official

International Fleet Review 2016 (IFR 2016) was an international maritime exercise hosted and conducted by the Indian Navy on behalf of the President of India in February 2016. Its objective was to improve the extent of mutual trust and confidence with neighbouring navies by inviting them to participate in the review. The Indian Navy displayed its maritime capabilities to the foreign navies which participated in the review.[4]

A fleet review is a traditional gathering of ships from a particular navy to be observed by the reigning monarch or his or her representative. During Indian events, the President of India reviews the fleet of the Indian Navy. Past notable domestic fleet reviews in India include the 2006 review conducted by president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam. It was the first Indian naval fleet review held in public view outside Mumbai.[5]

Prior to the 2016 review, there were two other notable international fleet reviews. These were the International Fleet Review 2013 and the International Fleet Review 2005 held by Australia and United Kingdom respectively. This is the second International Fleet Review conducted in India. Prior this, India had conduct an international fleet review in 2001 at Mumbai which involved 29 participants. A total of 95 warships from 50 navies including the Indian Navy participated in this review.[6][7]

The review was conducted over the period 4 to 8 February 2016 in Visakhapatnam. The event was organized by the Eastern Naval Command of the Indian Navy.[8]

Eastern Naval Command motor cycle expedition team at Arunachal Pradesh. A motor cycle expedition to commemorate the forthcoming International Fleet Review was flagged off in April 2015 at Headquarters Eastern Naval Command.

Curtain raising ceremony

The curtain raising ceremony of IFR 2016 was conducted at a press conference at New Delhi on 14 October 2015 in New Delhi. At the conference, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Admiral RK Dhowan, announced the Indian Navy's plan to conduct an International Fleet Review (IFR) on the eastern seaboard at Visakhapatnam from 4–8 February 2016.[9]

Events

4 February 2016

Wreath laying ceremony

A wreath laying ceremony took place in the afternoon on 4 February 2016 at the 1971 War Memorial, situated off RK Beach Road. The wreath was laid at the 'Victory at Sea Memorial', as a homage to mark the victory of the Indian Navy during the 1971 Indo Pakistan war. Dignitaries visited the Eastern Naval Command and laid a wreath at the war memorial as a tribute to Indian sailors who were killed during the conflict. A ceremonial guard of honour befitting the visiting dignitaries paraded on the occasion. The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Chandra Babu Naidu, Chief of Naval Staff of India Admiral Robin Kumar Dhowan and FOC-in-C Eastern Naval Command, Vice-Admiral Satish Soni, laid a wreath at the war memorial. Chief of Staff Eastern Naval Command Vice Admiral Bimal Kumar Verma and other dignitaries and representatives from foreign navies were also present at the ceremony.[10][11][12][13][14]

Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N Chandrababu Naidu, paid homage to India's war dead, during a wreath laying ceremony.

Maritime exhibition and IFR village

The overall theme of the maritime exhibition was Make in India. The exhibition showcased the innovation, indigenisation and potential of the country. Several industries from the categories float, move and flight participated the exhibition. The exhibition was opened to public on 2 February 2016.[15][16][17]

5 February 2016

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Robin K Dhowan addressing national media at the International Fleet Review 2016 (IFR) curtain raiser at New Delhi

CNS press conference

The Chief of Naval Staff of India (CNS), Admiral Robin K Dhowan, hosted a press conference at the Novotel Convention Centre. Delegates from navies that participated in the review took part in the conference.[10][18]

Opening ceremony

An opening ceremony was conducted as a curtain raiser event at INS Satavahana Stadium.[10][19]

6 February 2016

Fleet review

The fleet review was conducted by the Supreme Commander of the Indian Armed Forces, the President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee. The President reviewed the fleet of Indian Navy and as well as ships from the navies across the globe. In addition to the naval ships, the ships of Indian Coast Guard and the mercantile marine also participated in the review. As the part of the Review, the President also reviewed the Indian Naval Air Arm.[3][10][20][21][22]

President Pranab Mukherjee reviewing the international fleet
President Pranab Mukherjee during ceremonial Guard of Honour

Indian naval band concert

The Indian Navy’s central band organised a concert as a part of this event at the Samudrika Naval Auditorium.[8][23]

Presidential banquet

The Indian Navy hosted a banquet for the President of India in the officers' mess of Eastern Naval Command. The banquet was attended by a host of dignitaries including several from the central and state governments, chiefs’ of foreign navies or heads of delegations, and Indian and foreign participants of the IFR.[24]

7 February 2016

International maritime conference

The theme of the conference was 'Partnering together for a secure maritime future'. The conference was conducted over two days on 7 and 8 February 2016.[22][25]

International city parade and operational demonstration

The Indian Navy conducted a parade and operational demonstration across the RK Beach at Vishakhapatnam on 7 February 2016. Marching contingents from the Indian Armed Forces, Andhra Pradesh Police, National Cadet Corps and foreign navies including respective marching bands participated in the parade. The operational demonstration lasted for 30 minutes. Prime Minister Modi also released a book titled Maritime Heritage during the event. The parade was concluded with a reception hosted by the CNS in honour of the Prime Minister.[26][27][28][29]

CNS reception

The CNS, Admiral RK Dhowan, hosted a dinner reception on completion of the parade in honour of the Prime Minister.

8 February 2016

Closing ceremony

The joint international band concert commemorated the closing ceremony of the IFR 2016 at naval institute.[30][31][32]

A group photo of the delegates at the closing ceremony of International Fleet Review 2016

Participating ships

A total of 71 ships from the Indian Navy participated in the review. These included aircraft carriers, submarines, frigates, destroyers, corvettes, sailing vessels, and amphibious warfare vessels.[3][21] Majority of the ships were from Eastern Naval Command of Indian Navy.[20] In addition, 24 ships from 50 foreign navies also took part.[3][6][21]

Argentina, Bahrain, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Djibouti, Egypt, Fiji, Germany, Greece, Israel, Kenya, South Korea, Namibia, New Zealand, Philippines, Portugal Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sweden, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey and Turkmenistan sent delegates, but did not send any ships.

Gallery

Indian Navy Chetak during IFR 2016
Flypast by Kamov Ka-31s of the Indian Navy
Heads of navies and other delegates, representing more than 50 countries
Tall Ships 'Sail in Company' during International Fleet Review 2016
Passage Exercise (PASSEX) in the Bay of Bengal on 9 February 2016.
Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi witnessing the OP Demo




Green initiative

As part of the green initiative, the Indian Navy showcased two fast interceptor craft (FICs) using bio-diesel. It has also replaced all conventional incandescent lamps on its ships with LED lights. The Indian Navy eventually plans to turn its fleet into a green fleet.[33]

Bio diesel powered fast attack craft of the Indian Navy patrolling during IFR 2016

Passage Exercise (PASSEX)

The International Fleet Review culminated with the participating ships undertaking a passage exercise (PASSEX) in the Bay of Bengal on 9 February 2016. The exercise was conducted in two formations. Aircraft carriers INS Vikramaditya and INS Viraat each headed one of the formations. The first group was headed by INS Vikramaditya commanded by FOC Western Fleet Rear Admiral Ravneet Singh and the second group was headed INS Viraat commanded by FOC Eastern Fleet Rear Admiral SV Bhokare. A helicopter from HMS Defender landed on INS Viraat commemorating the historic ties that the carrier has with the Royal Navy.[34][35]

See also

References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to IFR 2016.
  1. ↑ Ruchi Bambha. "International Fleet Review 2016 curtain raiser: 6 key things to know". ET. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  2. ↑ "52 countries to take part in IFR-2016". The Hindu. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  3. 1 2 3 4 IANS. "President, PM Modi review naval fleet". India Today. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  4. ↑ "International Fleet Review in Vizag from Feb 4". Business Standard. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  5. ↑ "President arrives for fleet review". The Hindu. Retrieved 18 April 2016.
  6. 1 2 Ankit Panda (8 February 2016). "With Over 50 Navies Participating, India Concludes 2016 International Fleet Review". The Diplomat. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  7. ↑ Ateeq Sk (2 September 2015). "After 15 years, second International Fleet Review to be held at Visakhapatnam in February". DNA India. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  8. 1 2 "Introduction to IFR 2016". Indian Navy. Govt. of India. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  9. ↑ "International Fleet Review 2016". PIB. GOI. Retrieved 9 January 2016.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Event Schedule IFR". Indian Navy. Government of India. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  11. ↑ G.S. Subrahmanyam (5 February 2016). "Naidu pays tributes to martyrs". The Hindu. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  12. ↑ "IFR 16 – Wreath Laying Ceremony and Inauguration of Maritime Exhibition". Indian Navy. Govt. of India. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  13. ↑ Press Trust of India. "AP CM, Naval officers pay homage to war heroes". India Today. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  14. ↑ "Wreath Laying Organized". Business Standard. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  15. ↑ "Maritime Exhibition, IFR Village from Feb. 2". The Hindu. 28 January 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  16. ↑ "Maritime Exhibition and IFR Village". Indian Navy. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  17. ↑ Express News Service (20 January 2016). "IFR to Open with CM Launching Maritime Expo on February 4". Indian Express. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  18. ↑ "Press Conference by CNS RK Dhowan at International Fleet Review". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  19. ↑ "Opening Ceremony". Indian Navy. Govt. of India. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  20. 1 2 PTI. "President Pranab Mukherjee reviews naval fleet at IFR, PM Narendra Modi and Manohar Parrikar also present". The Economic Times. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  21. 1 2 3 "President reviews international fleet". The Telegraph. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  22. 1 2 "International Fleet Review – 2016". Indian Navy. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  23. ↑ "Indian Naval Band Concert". International Fleet Review 2016. Indian Navy. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  24. ↑ "Presidential Banquet". International Fleet Review 2016. Indian Navy. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  25. ↑ "IFR turning out to be a bigger event". The Hindu. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  26. ↑ "IFR 16: Operational Demonstration and the International City Parade". Indian Navy. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  27. ↑ "International Fleet Review 2016: PM Narendra Modi to review city parade as chief guest". Zee News. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  28. ↑ "PM Modi to review International City Parade at IFR today". DNA India. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  29. ↑ "Percept ICE Successfully Manages The International City Parade". MediaInfoline. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  30. ↑ "Closing Ceremony". International Fleet Review 2016. Indian Navy. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  31. ↑ "Closing Ceremony of International Fleet Review 2016". Indian Navy. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
  32. ↑ Ankit Panda. "With Over 50 Navies Participating, India Concludes 2016 International Fleet Review". The Diplomat. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  33. ↑ Manu Pubby (5 February 2016). "Navy to showcase warship running on biofuel at Vizag". Economic Times. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
  34. ↑ Ministry of Defence; DKS/CG. "IFR 2016 – Passage Exercise – AU Revoir till we Meet Again". Press Information Bureau. Government of India. Retrieved 7 April 2016.
  35. ↑ "Image of the day: Farewell PASSEX at IFR 2016". Naval Today. Retrieved 22 April 2016.
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